Archive for September, 2009
Late-night television is saturated with them, and gullible people just can’t help but fall for them. I’m referring of course to those commercials that promise the secret to a washboard stomach. All too often, these ad spots promote a five-minute ab workout, claiming that the user will be able to see a difference in a matter of weeks. The truth is considerably less sexy, and of course it isn’t trumpeted by fly-by-night exercise rackets.
To really sculpt a set of attractive abdominals, you’ll need to put in the work. That means a consistent exercise regimen with an emphasis on crunches. Obviously there are ways to make this process simpler and more convenient – namely by investing in your own ab bench. After securing your feet and reclining backward, the onus is on you to do those much-dreaded abbreviated sit-ups.
If you’ve ever questioned the effectiveness of an exercise bike workout, just watch pro football and basketball players after they leave the game. Within moments they’re up and at it – riding a stationary bike to keep their energy up and their muscles loose. Anyone who spends just one hour on an exercise bike would testify to its legitimacy as a formidable workout aid.
Unfortunately, stand-up bikes become intensely uncomfortable after a few minutes. That’s where a recumbent exercise bike comes into play. Although it might look silly, these bikes are comfortable enough to encourage beginners to extend their workout. Whereas one might grow sick and tired of pedaling on an upright bike after a half-hour or so, these problems don’t arise with the recumbent variety.