July 11, 2011, 5:09 am
The plank is an exercise that tones and strengthens the core group of muscles, which is made up of the abdominals, chest, hips, and back muscles. One of the best things about the plank is that it requires no equipment at all, and can provide a very thorough workout to your entire body. There are a few different variations of the plank, and using all of them in a workout is a great way to strengthen your core and tone your body.
The Basic Plank
The basic form of the plank requires you to lie on your stomach, with your forearms underneath you. Then, you push yourself upwards, so that only your forearms and toes are touching the ground, making a “bridge” with your body. Hold your back straight, so that there your hips aren’t sagging downward or raised higher than the rest of your body. A good analogy is that you are a table, and you must make your tabletop, your back, as straight as possible so that a glass could rest on it without falling. This
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July 9, 2011, 6:32 pm
Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise, sometimes called cardio, is exercise that strengthens your heart and respiratory system. The exercises that are considered cardiovascular are called aerobic exercises, because they require breathing and a long period of exertion to complete, as opposed to anaerobic exercises, which aren’t affected by breathing. Walking, running, swimming, and cycling are all forms of aerobic exercise, because they strengthen the heart and respiratory system through a long period of exertion and require a large amount of oxygen. Anaerobic exercises include weight lifting and sprinting, because they promote larger muscle mass and muscle development while not requiring a large amount of work from the heart or respiratory system.
Running
Running is one of the easiest cardiovascular exercises to get started with, because it requires little equipment besides proper running shoes. R
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December 3, 2010, 9:47 pm
Fitness experts, weight loss dynamos, and exercise enthusiasts stress the importance of weaving exercise into one’s everyday routine. Showering is not usually found on anyone’s calendar, but it gets done because it’s fundamental to hygiene. By the same token, for exercise to be sustainable, it needs to be an integral part of the day. Workout wear is a great exercise motivator!
Benefits of Exercise
Online weight charts provide weight range guidelines for the average population. Although it is self-destructive to beat yourself up when the scale shows one pound up, maintaining a healthy weight range is critical to well-being, and a trend upwards should be taken as a call for action. This week, WebMD posted findings, reported by the New England Journal of Medicine, which indicated that every pound gained above an individual’s healthy weight increases health risk factors.
General health and weight loss are not the only reasons to exercise. To redu Read the full article…
October 3, 2010, 6:51 am
Exercise is more important as you get older than when you are younger. Why? Because things start to happen to our bodies as we reach our 40s, 50s and 60s that we didn’t even know about in our carefree 20s and 30s.
Not only do we have to contend with wrinkles and middle age spread, we have to watch out for shrinking brains, weakening muscles, loss of balance, slower metabolism and a lack of energy to name just a few. And on top of all that, we tend to eat more calories and burn fewer calories than we did in our formative years.
Exercise and weight training can be part of your everyday life
Despite all things that could go wrong, we are all living longer and want good health in our more mature years. So you will be pleased to know that even if you have never exercised all your adult life, it’s not too late to start now.
You don’t need to go out and buy any specialist gym or fitness equipment like a rowing machine.
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August 12, 2010, 5:43 pm
Zumba has taken the world by storm, giving a whole new meaning to aerobic exercise. No expensive equipment is needed or pricey outfit (lightweight shoes that won’t slip off are recommended). No partner is required. The program can be carried out in the privacy of one’s home. Classes are usually held at a dance studio, fitness center, or gym. Almost anyone of any age can learn basic Zumba moves and steps – even seniors.
Seniors don’t have to worry about trying to keep pace with the original program that may be too intense for some. Zumba exercise routines can be modified – adapted for the user. In fact, there is a special Zumba program just for beginners and elderly participants, called “Zumba Gold.”
What is Zumba Fitness?
The term “Zumba” means to move swiftly with grace. Zumba is a program of Latin dance moves which incorporates interval and resistance exercise. The
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