Tread Lightly

Treadmill exercise has been proven to be beneficial for all kinds of people, including at risk groups like older individuals and pregnant women. Some kinds of aerobic exercises do not suit pregnant women or older people, but walking is always recommended and a treadmill is ideally suited for this purpose. Cardio-vascular exercise derived from walking or running on a treadmill helps you to burn extra calories and will help you to lose weight rapidly if you exercise on a frequent and consistent basis. A treadmill adds consistency to your walking workout and you can set both the pace and duration of your session and increase this in order to achieve a progressive improvement over time. A treadmill can also help you to achieve your personal fitness goals.

If you like walking or have been advised to walk regularly, then the weather conditions outside can create problems. When the weather conditions are poor during periods of rain, wind, snow or unfavorable temperature it makes it unpleasant or impossible to walk outside. With a treadmill you don’t need to worry about the weather and you can continue with your regular exercise regime.

With the constant walking on a treadmill looking at the same wall and space, how do you overcome boredom and lack of motivation? Try using the treadmill trainer, an audio workout that you can download on your iPod or Mp3 player to listen on your headphones while you jog/walk on the treadmill. It is like having a mini trainer in your ears to motivate you and guide you every step of the way. Or, try choosing an upbeat music compilation of your favorite motivating songs. You can also pick a time and television show you just can’t miss and plan your treadmill workout during that time. You’ll be so engrossed in your program, you’ll forget all about the calorie burn and exercise you are doing at the same time.

With a consistent treadmill workout, you want to make sure you are preventing injury. Remember these key points when walking or running during your treadmill workout.

  • Avoid toe, heel and knee injuries by using good shoes. Replace old worn out shoes so they give you a good support and have proper shock absorption.
  • Don’t overdo it. Use the treadmill every other day, not every day. Don’t go too fast and take it slow.
  • Warm up. Make sure you stretch and warm up your muscles before getting into your exercise routine.

A treadmill can be an excellent addition to any workout. Use some of these suggestions to keep yourself motivated and injury free. Enjoy walking all year long during any temperature or weather conditions that are outside by doing your walking/running routine on a treadmill.

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Making a Splash with Underwater Cycling

Underwater cycling or aqua cycling is a new underwater workout that is starting to make an appearance in Europe and North America. Underwater cycling brings the stationary bike into the pool. Before making a splash in recreation centers around the world, it was used as a form of physical therapy for injured athletes.Most people know classic cycling from their fitness studio: several stationary bicycles are arranged in a circle. In the front sits the trainer who gives instructions against the background of motivational music. The participants simulate cycling up and down mountains and valleys, and cycle seated or standing. This sport is however not suitable for everyone because it puts a lot of strain on the joints. If you ‘shift’ the bicycle into the water, everything looks quite different. The motion sequences are especially gentle because of the effect of the water and are even more fun. Special water bikes have been developed for this that weigh a little more and don’t rust.

The natural movements in water protect the joints and relieve the spine. Falls, impacts and sudden movements are prevented. This makes underwater cycling highly suitable for rehabilitation and gentle muscle building after injury and for those with spinal disk problems.

Water is the elixir of life, and the underwater massage has a positive effect on the skin, tissue and muscles. The skin is supplied with blood and tightened, and it encourages the purging of the tissue. The water pressure also adds a bit of a massage feeling to the legs that can reach deeper muscles, which is believed to help lose more calories.

The body stays cool even while working out because you are submerged in water. You still get the cardiovascular and fat burning benefits from cycling but it also helps those people with bone or joint ailments and lessen inflammation. Aquacycling improves the performance of your heart and circulation and has an invigorating effect on the spine, stomach, legs and seat. This is effective endurance training for increasing physical and mental well-being. An underwater cycling workout is challenging but doesn’t feel as hard as a regular cycling class.

Underwater cycling is still very new in many areas but watch for it to start making a splash in your city and give it a try!

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Plyometric Workouts

If you are an athlete who takes part is sports that require speed, agility and vertical power such as basketball and volleyball, then a plyometric workout will enhance your game. Plyometrics are specifically designed to help increase your vertical leap and better your ability to explode into sudden bursts of speed.Plyometrics leads to better body posture, improved balance and flexibility. Plyometric workouts come in many shapes and forms depending on the specific goals of the athlete. Having a regular plyometric workout is an important part of any strength and conditioning program. It is suggested that you do plyometrics only three or four days a week. Doing it every day could cause serious damage to your body. It is important to give yourself ample rest in between workouts to avoid injury.

Plyometrics have numerous benefits including stronger muscles and tendons and a better nervous system. Muscles are strengthened by the quick and rapid exercises. It trains your muscles to convert strength into speed. In plyometrics you place stress on your tendons as you workout. Over time, your tendons would become elastic and stronger. Stronger tendons mean fewer injuries. The rapid movements involved in plyometric workouts are also training your nervous system to react faster. Quick muscle contractions need rapid signals to your brain in order for you to perform. As you continue to train, you’ll notice your movements will become quicker.

If you’re new into plyometrics, start with something simple. Try the workout below.

As with any exercise, you must start by warming up your muscles through some stretching and jogging around for a few minutes. Using a jump rope for a few minutes is a good way to warm up as well.

Mini Plyometric Workout:

  1. Begin by performing 10 Jump Squats. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat deep, keeping your knees behind your toes, abs tight and chest out. Jump off the floor explosively and as high as possible, landing back in a squat position. Land softly by using your leg muscles and engaging your core throughout.
  2. After you have completed 10 squat jump repetitions, go right into your Plyometric Push-Ups. Get into a regular push-up position, lower your chest to the floor and explosively push off, forcing your hands to leave the floor. Land and lower your chest to the floor again, then push up again into your next rep. Keep your body straight with your abs tight throughout the exercise.
  3. Another great exercise is to do Lunges. This exercise helps build the muscle in your quads. You can use dumbbells or you can start without any weight. Start in a standing position and lunge forward with one leg until your knee is at a 90 degree angle and then push yourself back to a standing position. Repeat with the other leg. Make sure to keep your torso upright when performing the lunge.
  4. Try some Step Ups. For this exercise you can use a bench or a chair. Start by standing in front of the bench and then putting one foot flat on the bench and step up on the bench. Step back down to the floor and repeat with the other leg.

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