Archive for November, 2009
It’s that time again. The holiday season is quickly approaching and for many of us it’s a very hectic time. Between working, shopping, running errands, food and party preparations it’s easy to become overwhelmed and to make excuses for neglecting our exercise routine.
If you find it difficult during the holidays to maintain your usual exercise regime then just pare it down, don’t eliminate it. Remember, exercising is one of the best ways of relieving stress and keeping your energy levels high.
Whether you walk, run, bike, strength train, or do pilates you can still squeeze in an exercise workout, even if it’s just for 10 -15 min. Not only does it help to relax you, it helps to keep your weight under control during this festive time.
There is really no other workout tool or gadget that can do so much for you. A kettlebell workout can get you in shape fast! It can workout your neck, shoulders, arms, back, legs, and even hips.
Kettlebells also provide a great cardio workout. That’s why this one tool is thought of as the handheld gym.
Both men and women can benefit from working out with kettlebells and many see amazing results rather quickly. So, if you’re looking for fast and effective results in the shortest time possible, then this is the tool for you.
Many people have similar goals about their bodies. They either want to lose weight, build some muscle, or tone up. However, fewer and fewer people are opting to join gyms to try and reach their goals. Some don’t live close enough to a gym to make that option feasible, some simply can’t afford the monthly dues, and others just don’t find them very convenient.
If you are one of those who can’t or won’t go to a gym, then having your own home fitness center might be a consideration. There are many options to choose from in home fitness exercise equipment that are both affordable and compact.
Some of the more popular pieces of home fitness exercise equipment are: treadmills, home gyms, elliptical trainers, and recumbent exercise bikes.
However, it is not enough to just purchase a gym membership or equipment for your home. Weight loss, toning, or building muscle requires consistent, sustained effort on your part. Without making a solid commitment, you are just wasting your time and money.
One major benefit that recumbent exercise bikes have over stationary bikes are the ergonomic positions they offer. They provide agility to bone joints and are very good for those with health problems such as arthritis. Recumbent exercise bikes reduce the chances of any kind of injury and are more or less risk free.
Stationary exercise bikes on the other hand, provide a greater cardio-workout since they offer you the ability to peddle while standing as well as seated.
Which one of these exercise bikes is best? You decide. They both have their benefits!
Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you. Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body.
Pilates is based on the principle that it is through the control of the mind that we can discipline and train our bodies. It focuses on proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and concentratiion. The quality of your movements is valued over the quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency.
Pilates elongates and strengthens muscle elasticity and joint mobility. It’s a system that can help you get fit and stay fit and active throughout your life.
When you start working out with kettlebells your body starts turning in to a fat burning machine. You are developing dense muscles which require much more energy. Properly designed kettlebell workouts can:
- Increase your strength
- Decrease your body fat
- Shape your body
- Decrease stress
- Increase your energy level
- Increase your flexibility
- Increase your endurance
Kettlebell workouts are the fastest and most effective way to lose weight and tone up. They are tough, but you will see results quickly!
Elliptical Trainers are a great addition to any home gym. They provide a low-impact, cardio-workout and are suitable for people of all ages.
Some things to look for when purchasing an elliptical trainer are:
- Adjustable incline or variable resistance to add variety to your workout and allow for maximum benefit.
- Forward and reverse smooth motion. The better quality machines use magnetic or electronic resistance.
- Low noise is essential if you want to be able to watch your favorite TV program, listen to music, or read while you workout.
- Dual function using hand grips and bars so that you get a total body workout.
- Computerized monitoring system that tracks your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse rate as you workout.
- Preset and customizable programs to keep you from becoming bored.
- Heart rate monitor allowing you control over your heart rate.
When you are buying pieces of equipment for your home gym, it is important to choose items that take up as little space as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by selecting versatile pieces of equipment that can be employed for a variety of exercises and used to target multiple muscle groups.
Anyone who is going to be starting a weight training regimen needs a bench, but a normal flat bench limits the muscle groups you can target. In order to get a complete workout, you’ll need a bench that can offer both incline and decline positions as well, like a hyperextension bench. It has six adjustable angles so that you can isolate virtually any muscle group.
Vinyl dumbbells are durable and easy-to-grip which makes them ideal for aerobic workouts, resistant training, and light lifting. They come in a variety of weights, colors, and are constructed of cast iron encased with a thick vinyl shell.
Vinyl dumbbells are portable making them a great choice for travellers and in home use. They are relatively inexpensive and are the perfect compliment to any exercise routine.
For the last 10 years, I have worked out religiously. My regimen includes lifting weights five times a week and running anywhere from 30-40 miles per week. While I could maintain this schedule for quite some time, after awhile the constant pounding inflicted through my running began to take a toll.
Recently I began cross-training with an elliptical machine, and it has done wonders for my knees and hips. Elliptical trainers eliminate the impact from running and provide a smooth, natural motion. Now I substitute the elliptical for running twice a week, and still get a great workout.