10 Surprising Fitness Tips
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10 Surprising Fitness Tips
Weird, unconventional exercise ideas that are so crazy they just might work.
By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen for MSN Health & Fitness
If you think you've heard it all when it comes to fitness, think again! We've rounded up 10 things you never knew about working out—from the benefits of a post-exercise drink of pickle juice to why you should avoid your friends at the gym. These unconventional but expert-endorsed fitness tips will put the zing back in your workout.
*Don't exercise with your "BFF."*
Many experts recommend working out with friends to increase motivation, but it can backfire. "People end up talking more than exercising or slowing their speeds or [lowering] intensity levels to chat," says Stacey Rosenfeld, Ph.D., a psychologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Plus, walking or running with friends can prevent you from following your body's cues. If you want to speed up or slow down, for instance, you may not be able to coordinate that with someone else. Arrive at the gym with friends to increase motivation, but save the bonding for later.
*Choose your workout clothes carefully.*
According to psychologists, red can increase blood circulation and body temperature, which can boost workout efficiency. Light waves enter the eye and are converted to electrical impulses in the brain, explains environmental psychologist David Alan Kopec, Ph.D., an associate professor at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego. "Red is a long light wave that affects the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, appetite, and energy levels." He adds that reds and oranges increase body temperature, which pumps you up for exercise and keeps you energized for a longer workout.
*Drink pickle and pineapple juices.*
The salt and vinegar in pickle juice can help muscles recover from sodium loss and decrease cramping. "If you're training on a hot day or doing intense activities, drink four to eight ounces of pickle juice 45 minutes and eight to 10 ounces of water 30 minutes before your session," says certified nutritionist and fitness trainer Majid Ali of the Healing Center in Culver City, Calif. "If your stomach can handle it, drink four to six ounces after or during your session to speed recovery." Pineapple juice can also reduce post-workout inflammation. "The bromelain [an enzyme] in pineapple juice removes lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which causes inflammation," he says. Ali recommends drinking six to 10 ounces, 30 minutes after training.
*Get off the elliptical trainer.*
"The elliptical is mindless and by far the least effective machine for fat loss," says L.A.–based Torri Shack, who's certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. "It uses momentum, not muscle force. Most people don't use enough resistance." This machine may increase your heart rate and sweat level, but to burn fat using one, Shack says you'll need to exercise for 45 to 60 minutes and vary your levels of intensity and resistance. Shack adds that the elliptical machine is best for warming up before weight lifting or rehabilitating injured body parts. "If you can watch television or read while doing cardio, you're not working hard enough, and therefore not burning fat," she says.
*Don't sweat it.*
Sweat is your body's way of regulating your rising temperature, not a clear sign of increased calorie burn or an intense workout. "In the sauna, you'll sweat buckets, but you aren't burning fat," says Brad Schoenfeld, certified strength and conditioning specialist and author of The 28-Day Body Shapeover (Human Kinetics, 2005). "The best indicator of calorie burn is either heart rate or Rate of Perceived Exertion." RPE is a self-reported scale that determines intensity; it ranges from 1 (complete rest) to 10 (maximum effort). High intensity exercise—such as interval training—increases your heart rate, which equals more fat burn. So, don't aim solely for a sweaty workout. Go for an intense one.
*Practice your "Get-Up."*
"The Get-Up is one of the best kept secrets in the fitness industry," says Houston-based certified strength and conditioning specialist Sean Cashman. "It's one of the most functional exercises [meaning it trains your body for real-life situations], yet the majority of gym-goers have never heard of it. You move from lying down, up to a standing position, and back down, all while holding a weight above your head." Cashman suggests a 10- to 20-pound weight to start. "The Get-Up integrates all joints and muscles in one sequence," he says. "It increases your whole body's strength, stability, balance and flexibility."
*Say "shhh."*
As you say it, "Put your hands on your stomach and feel the contraction," says Jonathan Angelilli, a personal trainer in New York City. "That's your transverse abdominus and diaphragm contracting, creating tension in the core and strengthening your extremities." The louder your "sshhh," the better. It's most effective for core stabilization exercises such as squats, push-ups, and Pilates moves. Angelilli says, "'Sshhh' also helps you breathe with your abs. Stress, [poor] posture at work, and sitting too much over-activates our secondary breathing muscles in the neck and inhibits our primary abdominal breathing muscles." Saying "sshhh" oxygenates the body, increases strength, tones abs, and reduces neck tension.
*Beware the hump.*
Most of us work our "sexy" muscles: the chest, the shoulders and the arms. "This neglects the upper back, where many of us have a distinctive hump, manifested by forward-rounded, contracted shoulders and a forward-leaning neck," says Andrew Sherman, M.D., associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Miami. "This can lead to neck and shoulder pain." To fight the hump, stretch your chest muscles and do exercises that retract your shoulder and neck, such as rows, front lat pull downs, and upward dumbbell flys. "Don't forget to stick out your chest while doing them!" says Dr. Sherman.
*Run barefoot.*
According to proponents of shoeless running, shoes inhibit foot growth, development, and flexibility. David Jenkins, D.P.M., professor at Midwestern University's Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program, says, "Running barefoot may increase foot flexibility and strengthen intrinsic foot muscles. This can improve toe function, balance, and structural support, but more research is necessary." Running barefoot could decrease the likelihood of plantar fasciitis, a running epidemic unknown 30 years ago, which is possibly caused by over-controlling shoes and/or orthotic arch supports used on normal feet, says Dr. Jenkins. "A gradual buildup to barefoot sports is imperative," says Dr. Jenkins. "Barefoot running is an extreme change for people who have worn shoes most of the time." Of course, be careful to watch for hazards like broken glass and rocks when running shoeless.
*Kick and shout!*
IntenSati is "moving meditation"—a fitness program that uses the voice and mind to intensify physical workouts. Participants chant or shout empowering affirmations while kicking, jumping or lunging. For example, while punching, they yell, "I. Am. Strong. Now!" IntenSati creator Patricia Moreno says, "The repetition of a single statement moves you into a state of focused awareness—it's a very powerful practice." She claims these motivational chants boost emotional strength, increase self-confidence, and distract participants from feeling fatigued, which increases the effectiveness of their workouts.
Weird, unconventional exercise ideas that are so crazy they just might work.
By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen for MSN Health & Fitness
If you think you've heard it all when it comes to fitness, think again! We've rounded up 10 things you never knew about working out—from the benefits of a post-exercise drink of pickle juice to why you should avoid your friends at the gym. These unconventional but expert-endorsed fitness tips will put the zing back in your workout.
*Don't exercise with your "BFF."*
Many experts recommend working out with friends to increase motivation, but it can backfire. "People end up talking more than exercising or slowing their speeds or [lowering] intensity levels to chat," says Stacey Rosenfeld, Ph.D., a psychologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Plus, walking or running with friends can prevent you from following your body's cues. If you want to speed up or slow down, for instance, you may not be able to coordinate that with someone else. Arrive at the gym with friends to increase motivation, but save the bonding for later.
*Choose your workout clothes carefully.*
According to psychologists, red can increase blood circulation and body temperature, which can boost workout efficiency. Light waves enter the eye and are converted to electrical impulses in the brain, explains environmental psychologist David Alan Kopec, Ph.D., an associate professor at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego. "Red is a long light wave that affects the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, appetite, and energy levels." He adds that reds and oranges increase body temperature, which pumps you up for exercise and keeps you energized for a longer workout.
*Drink pickle and pineapple juices.*
The salt and vinegar in pickle juice can help muscles recover from sodium loss and decrease cramping. "If you're training on a hot day or doing intense activities, drink four to eight ounces of pickle juice 45 minutes and eight to 10 ounces of water 30 minutes before your session," says certified nutritionist and fitness trainer Majid Ali of the Healing Center in Culver City, Calif. "If your stomach can handle it, drink four to six ounces after or during your session to speed recovery." Pineapple juice can also reduce post-workout inflammation. "The bromelain [an enzyme] in pineapple juice removes lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which causes inflammation," he says. Ali recommends drinking six to 10 ounces, 30 minutes after training.
*Get off the elliptical trainer.*
"The elliptical is mindless and by far the least effective machine for fat loss," says L.A.–based Torri Shack, who's certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. "It uses momentum, not muscle force. Most people don't use enough resistance." This machine may increase your heart rate and sweat level, but to burn fat using one, Shack says you'll need to exercise for 45 to 60 minutes and vary your levels of intensity and resistance. Shack adds that the elliptical machine is best for warming up before weight lifting or rehabilitating injured body parts. "If you can watch television or read while doing cardio, you're not working hard enough, and therefore not burning fat," she says.
*Don't sweat it.*
Sweat is your body's way of regulating your rising temperature, not a clear sign of increased calorie burn or an intense workout. "In the sauna, you'll sweat buckets, but you aren't burning fat," says Brad Schoenfeld, certified strength and conditioning specialist and author of The 28-Day Body Shapeover (Human Kinetics, 2005). "The best indicator of calorie burn is either heart rate or Rate of Perceived Exertion." RPE is a self-reported scale that determines intensity; it ranges from 1 (complete rest) to 10 (maximum effort). High intensity exercise—such as interval training—increases your heart rate, which equals more fat burn. So, don't aim solely for a sweaty workout. Go for an intense one.
*Practice your "Get-Up."*
"The Get-Up is one of the best kept secrets in the fitness industry," says Houston-based certified strength and conditioning specialist Sean Cashman. "It's one of the most functional exercises [meaning it trains your body for real-life situations], yet the majority of gym-goers have never heard of it. You move from lying down, up to a standing position, and back down, all while holding a weight above your head." Cashman suggests a 10- to 20-pound weight to start. "The Get-Up integrates all joints and muscles in one sequence," he says. "It increases your whole body's strength, stability, balance and flexibility."
*Say "shhh."*
As you say it, "Put your hands on your stomach and feel the contraction," says Jonathan Angelilli, a personal trainer in New York City. "That's your transverse abdominus and diaphragm contracting, creating tension in the core and strengthening your extremities." The louder your "sshhh," the better. It's most effective for core stabilization exercises such as squats, push-ups, and Pilates moves. Angelilli says, "'Sshhh' also helps you breathe with your abs. Stress, [poor] posture at work, and sitting too much over-activates our secondary breathing muscles in the neck and inhibits our primary abdominal breathing muscles." Saying "sshhh" oxygenates the body, increases strength, tones abs, and reduces neck tension.
*Beware the hump.*
Most of us work our "sexy" muscles: the chest, the shoulders and the arms. "This neglects the upper back, where many of us have a distinctive hump, manifested by forward-rounded, contracted shoulders and a forward-leaning neck," says Andrew Sherman, M.D., associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Miami. "This can lead to neck and shoulder pain." To fight the hump, stretch your chest muscles and do exercises that retract your shoulder and neck, such as rows, front lat pull downs, and upward dumbbell flys. "Don't forget to stick out your chest while doing them!" says Dr. Sherman.
*Run barefoot.*
According to proponents of shoeless running, shoes inhibit foot growth, development, and flexibility. David Jenkins, D.P.M., professor at Midwestern University's Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program, says, "Running barefoot may increase foot flexibility and strengthen intrinsic foot muscles. This can improve toe function, balance, and structural support, but more research is necessary." Running barefoot could decrease the likelihood of plantar fasciitis, a running epidemic unknown 30 years ago, which is possibly caused by over-controlling shoes and/or orthotic arch supports used on normal feet, says Dr. Jenkins. "A gradual buildup to barefoot sports is imperative," says Dr. Jenkins. "Barefoot running is an extreme change for people who have worn shoes most of the time." Of course, be careful to watch for hazards like broken glass and rocks when running shoeless.
*Kick and shout!*
IntenSati is "moving meditation"—a fitness program that uses the voice and mind to intensify physical workouts. Participants chant or shout empowering affirmations while kicking, jumping or lunging. For example, while punching, they yell, "I. Am. Strong. Now!" IntenSati creator Patricia Moreno says, "The repetition of a single statement moves you into a state of focused awareness—it's a very powerful practice." She claims these motivational chants boost emotional strength, increase self-confidence, and distract participants from feeling fatigued, which increases the effectiveness of their workouts.
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10 Surprising Fitness Tips
Weird, unconventional exercise ideas that are so crazy they just might work.
By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen for MSN Health & Fitness
If you think you've heard it all when it comes to fitness, think again! We've rounded up 10 things you never knew about working out—from the benefits of a post-exercise drink of pickle juice to why you should avoid your friends at the gym. These unconventional but expert-endorsed fitness tips will put the zing back in your workout.
*Don't exercise with your "BFF."*
Many experts recommend working out with friends to increase motivation, but it can backfire. "People end up talking more than exercising or slowing their speeds or [lowering] intensity levels to chat," says Stacey Rosenfeld, Ph.D., a psychologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. Plus, walking or running with friends can prevent you from following your body's cues. If you want to speed up or slow down, for instance, you may not be able to coordinate that with someone else. Arrive at the gym with friends to increase motivation, but save the bonding for later.
*Choose your workout clothes carefully.*
According to psychologists, red can increase blood circulation and body temperature, which can boost workout efficiency. Light waves enter the eye and are converted to electrical impulses in the brain, explains environmental psychologist David Alan Kopec, Ph.D., an associate professor at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego. "Red is a long light wave that affects the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, appetite, and energy levels." He adds that reds and oranges increase body temperature, which pumps you up for exercise and keeps you energized for a longer workout.
*Drink pickle and pineapple juices.*
The salt and vinegar in pickle juice can help muscles recover from sodium loss and decrease cramping. "If you're training on a hot day or doing intense activities, drink four to eight ounces of pickle juice 45 minutes and eight to 10 ounces of water 30 minutes before your session," says certified nutritionist and fitness trainer Majid Ali of the Healing Center in Culver City, Calif. "If your stomach can handle it, drink four to six ounces after or during your session to speed recovery." Pineapple juice can also reduce post-workout inflammation. "The bromelain [an enzyme] in pineapple juice removes lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which causes inflammation," he says. Ali recommends drinking six to 10 ounces, 30 minutes after training.
*Get off the elliptical trainer.*
"The elliptical is mindless and by far the least effective machine for fat loss," says L.A.–based Torri Shack, who's certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. "It uses momentum, not muscle force. Most people don't use enough resistance." This machine may increase your heart rate and sweat level, but to burn fat using one, Shack says you'll need to exercise for 45 to 60 minutes and vary your levels of intensity and resistance. Shack adds that the elliptical machine is best for warming up before weight lifting or rehabilitating injured body parts. "If you can watch television or read while doing cardio, you're not working hard enough, and therefore not burning fat," she says.
*Don't sweat it.*
Sweat is your body's way of regulating your rising temperature, not a clear sign of increased calorie burn or an intense workout. "In the sauna, you'll sweat buckets, but you aren't burning fat," says Brad Schoenfeld, certified strength and conditioning specialist and author of The 28-Day Body Shapeover (Human Kinetics, 2005). "The best indicator of calorie burn is either heart rate or Rate of Perceived Exertion." RPE is a self-reported scale that determines intensity; it ranges from 1 (complete rest) to 10 (maximum effort). High intensity exercise—such as interval training—increases your heart rate, which equals more fat burn. So, don't aim solely for a sweaty workout. Go for an intense one.
*Practice your "Get-Up."*
"The Get-Up is one of the best kept secrets in the fitness industry," says Houston-based certified strength and conditioning specialist Sean Cashman. "It's one of the most functional exercises [meaning it trains your body for real-life situations], yet the majority of gym-goers have never heard of it. You move from lying down, up to a standing position, and back down, all while holding a weight above your head." Cashman suggests a 10- to 20-pound weight to start. "The Get-Up integrates all joints and muscles in one sequence," he says. "It increases your whole body's strength, stability, balance and flexibility."
*Say "shhh."*
As you say it, "Put your hands on your stomach and feel the contraction," says Jonathan Angelilli, a personal trainer in New York City. "That's your transverse abdominus and diaphragm contracting, creating tension in the core and strengthening your extremities." The louder your "sshhh," the better. It's most effective for core stabilization exercises such as squats, push-ups, and Pilates moves. Angelilli says, "'Sshhh' also helps you breathe with your abs. Stress, [poor] posture at work, and sitting too much over-activates our secondary breathing muscles in the neck and inhibits our primary abdominal breathing muscles." Saying "sshhh" oxygenates the body, increases strength, tones abs, and reduces neck tension.
*Beware the hump.*
Most of us work our "sexy" muscles: the chest, the shoulders and the arms. "This neglects the upper back, where many of us have a distinctive hump, manifested by forward-rounded, contracted shoulders and a forward-leaning neck," says Andrew Sherman, M.D., associate professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Miami. "This can lead to neck and shoulder pain." To fight the hump, stretch your chest muscles and do exercises that retract your shoulder and neck, such as rows, front lat pull downs, and upward dumbbell flys. "Don't forget to stick out your chest while doing them!" says Dr. Sherman.
*Run barefoot.*
According to proponents of shoeless running, shoes inhibit foot growth, development, and flexibility. David Jenkins, D.P.M., professor at Midwestern University's Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program, says, "Running barefoot may increase foot flexibility and strengthen intrinsic foot muscles. This can improve toe function, balance, and structural support, but more research is necessary." Running barefoot could decrease the likelihood of plantar fasciitis, a running epidemic unknown 30 years ago, which is possibly caused by over-controlling shoes and/or orthotic arch supports used on normal feet, says Dr. Jenkins. "A gradual buildup to barefoot sports is imperative," says Dr. Jenkins. "Barefoot running is an extreme change for people who have worn shoes most of the time." Of course, be careful to watch for hazards like broken glass and rocks when running shoeless.
*Kick and shout!*
IntenSati is "moving meditation"—a fitness program that uses the voice and mind to intensify physical workouts. Participants chant or shout empowering affirmations while kicking, jumping or lunging. For example, while punching, they yell, "I. Am. Strong. Now!" IntenSati creator Patricia Moreno says, "The repetition of a single statement moves you into a state of focused awareness—it's a very powerful practice." She claims these motivational chants boost emotional strength, increase self-confidence, and distract participants from feeling fatigued, which increases the effectiveness of their workouts.0 -
Sometimes I don't know where MSN comes up with these things. I am not going to drink pickle and pineapple juice, nor am I going to run barefoot. LOL
But interesting...0 -
Sometimes I don't know where MSN comes up with these things. I am not going to drink pickle and pineapple juice, nor am I going to run barefoot. LOL
But interesting...
I don't think you're supposed to drink them together... gross! LOL.0 -
I
my elliptical machine and I vary the resistance on the machine during my workout on it.I think its a great form of exercise because I am on it for at least 60 minutes if not more and I sweat like a pig when I am working out on it too.Nice information MSN but I am not going to stay off my elliptical machine I think my husband would kill me considering how much he paid for it.:laugh: :laugh: 0 -
The "Get-Up" exercise is similar to an exercise that is on Wii Fit called the Single Arm Stand. I did it the other day and while it didn't initially look like much, I was huffin and puffin half way through, and I wasn't holding a weight, just the Wii remote!!0
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The Get Up looks so cool! I've never seen it before. I'm going to do it tomorrow or Friday if my ankle isn't better. :happy:0
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Pickle juice??? I think we ingest far too much sodium daily, without adding insult to injury!!0
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Pickle juice??? I think we ingest far too much sodium daily, without adding insult to injury!!
They're probably assuming the reader is taking in a normal amount of sodium. If you're performing really sweaty exercise, or you just sweat a lot, it's not harmful to take in extra sodium. The caveat is taking in sufficient potassium, which is why you have to drink the pineapple juice or eat a banana or something. Having a proper electrolyte balance is just as important as getting enough water.0 -
I agree with the working out with a friend thing completely! I love GOING with someone b/c it helps motivate me to actually get there, but I don't feel like I get even close to as good of a workout if I'm pacing myself with someone else-I get too bust talking and stuff like that vs actually keeping my mind set on upping my heart rate!
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hmmm I also disagree with stopping the elliptical. I mean I can run and watch TV, does that mean running isnt effective either? anywyay, I do agree with the working out with BFF. We do talk to much and end up stopping early. I like working out alone.0
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I hate the elliptical. It hurts. And I can't balance on it.
What about singing a loud? Good or bad for calorie burn?0 -
I hate the elliptical. It hurts. And I can't balance on it.
What about singing a loud? Good or bad for calorie burn?
While working out? Well it would force your body to use oxygen more efficiently LOL0 -
I have to agree with the article on the elliptical point. I have also heard it mentioned that the elliptical performs completely useless movements- nobody moves that way in their everyday life- unlike say... jogging or cycling- which practice movements that are OFTEN used. The point of the elliptical just has always baffled me. Some people say they use it because they have bad joints (knees esp) which I suppose is valid- but my mom has awful knees (going in for surgery this August) and the doctor gave her the thumbs up to use a stationary bike. Just my 2 cents.
ps- I don't plan on drinking pickle juice either.0 -
I am not sure I agree with the eliptical part either...Hmmm it contradicts what my Heart Rate Monitor is showing me. My HRM shows that I need to slow down my training that I was going too hard and too fast. My knees hurt with a lot of other exercises so I love the eliptical.
I have had the same thought about momentum vs muscle but again, if my HRM says I am inzone then I will go with that.
At our gym we are only allowed to use a machine for 30 minutes and then pass it to the next person so I swim or walk for the other 30 minutes of my work out.
It seems to be working OK for me. I may not be the fastest loser but what I lose is real and since exercising I have lost weight faster than when I was just trying to watch what I eat.0 -
I have to agree with you since I started exercising the weight keeps falling off.:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:I am not sure I agree with the eliptical part either...Hmmm it contradicts what my Heart Rate Monitor is showing me. My HRM shows that I need to slow down my training that I was going too hard and too fast. My knees hurt with a lot of other exercises so I love the eliptical.
I have had the same thought about momentum vs muscle but again, if my HRM says I am inzone then I will go with that.
At our gym we are only allowed to use a machine for 30 minutes and then pass it to the next person so I swim or walk for the other 30 minutes of my work out.
It seems to be working OK for me. I may not be the fastest loser but what I lose is real and since exercising I have lost weight faster than when I was just trying to watch what I eat.0 -
I do the "kick and shout" thing to push myself through really tough parts of a workout. I don't actually shout :bigsmile: but I do say an affirmation in time with whatever I am doing. Strong. Beautiful. Bada$$. B*tch. It work wonders!0
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I took Kung Fu San Soo when I was younger. The morning after my first day, I was surprised because my entire core was sore as if I had been doing major situps the day before. I shrugged it off and went back to class the next day ... As usual, we were given a routine that involved a take-down (you ended up on the floor one way or another). Then I got back up and felt all those sore muscles tugging at me!
So a good alternative to that get-up exercise is some kind of martial art that involves take-downs ... Aikido and Judo come to mind. Depending on the class, you could get a good hour or two of get-up's along with a total body workout.0 -
What I got from the point on the elliptical is that most people don't use it effectively, and we all know we've been next to someone at the gym who's going 100 mph on it, because it's on level 1 and no incline. That isn't going to do any good. But if you increase the resistance and incline (or put in a program that does-- i do a hill climb that at times is so hard, I can barely move the pedals) for an extended period of time, it will do you some good.
But the elliptical isn't all I do either...
As for the running barefoot, I recall some guy in the 80's being in the olympics, competing barefoot in all his running events. Don't remember where he was from, but I think he won too...0 -
I agree with you on the elliptical machine.I mean totally get that if you are going 100mph at level one your probably not doing yourself any good,but I personally switch my resistance throughout my workout on it and I also up my incline at times so its a stair stepper effect.I have one of those three in one elliptical machines and IWhat I got from the point on the elliptical is that most people don't use it effectively, and we all know we've been next to someone at the gym who's going 100 mph on it, because it's on level 1 and no incline. That isn't going to do any good. But if you increase the resistance and incline (or put in a program that does-- i do a hill climb that at times is so hard, I can barely move the pedals) for an extended period of time, it will do you some good.
But the elliptical isn't all I do either...
As for the running barefoot, I recall some guy in the 80's being in the olympics, competing barefoot in all his running events. Don't remember where he was from, but I think he won too... it.Ditto on the hill climb effect I have done this and yes the petals are hard to move . 0 -
I disagree about the elliptical, it just depends on how you use it.
and running barefoot? I can't even simply exercise barefoot... lol... I guess people that actually run probably don't have many foot problems. but what about those that do? I do and have to wear walking shoes just to exercise in my own house.
but probably at least half of those things are true- obviously exercising with your friends can do that... it's distracting. you can't focus very much on what you're doing therefore you're not working out to your full potential.0 -
mmmmmmmmmmm I like pickle juce :bigsmile: Just kidding :laugh: I wouldn't drink it either. Don't think I could run bare footed either. Ouch:frown:0
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I love pickle juice. For real. I love how it makes the back of my jaw tingle and makes me pucker my lips involuntarily. When I eat a pickle, I always take a sip of the juice.
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All I know is I'm running straight to Target tomorrow to get some red shirts..!!!
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This is some of the dumbest stuff I have ever read. It's morons like these people that give fitness professionals a bad name.
I have neither the time or the interest to debunk this point-by-point, but, trust me, there is almost nothing useful in this article and some things that might actually be harmful.0 -
There is nothing either magic or tragic about an elliptical cross trainer. It is simply another exercise modality.
Most of my remarks are focused on cross trainers that use upper and lower body, as opposed to lower-body only cross trainers.
Looking at common exercise modalities--stair climber, bike, treadmill, rower, cross trainer--I can explain why the cross trainer is so popular.
The whole idea of aerobic exercise is to reach an optimal level of cardiovascular intensity. It doesn't really make any difference how you do it. Stair climbers and stationary bikes utilize a relatively smaller amount of muscle mass in a relatively smaller range of motion. The result is that more of the effort is required from a localized muscle area to get to the desired level of intensity. At any given level of intensity, most average exercisers report a higher level of perceived exertion on a stair climber or bike. With time, you will gradually adapt to the muscle demands of the exercise, and that difference will lessen, but most people who are not dedicated cyclists or stair climbers end up doing lower intensity, shorter duration exercise on these machines.
Treadmills have a different problem. Walking, even at *brisk* speeds like 4.0-4.5 mph is still relatively low-intensity exercise. Many people have to add elevation--which is not always as comfortable--to get to the optimal level of intensity, or they have to run, which is a great exercise, but has some impact issues and is not possible for many people.
The cross trainer in some ways is the best of both worlds--it combines the dynamic intensity of running with lower impact and less strain on joints. It is more comfortable to work at a higher intensity--like running--but without the injury risk.
It may be that the article took the comments out of context--otherwise I am not really sure what the person was trying to say. All exercise involves "momentum" of some type, and if a person is reaching their target heart rate, then that is effective aerobic exercise.
I can only assume she was trying to say there are no strength training benefits to cross training, but that is true of any aerobic exercise.
In any case, everyone should be extremely wary of any "absolutist" statements about exercise. They typically are inaccurate and reflect the person's prejudices and ignorance more than anything else.0 -
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSIGHT ON THIS MATTER :flowerforyou: It really helped out.:drinker:There is nothing either magic or tragic about an elliptical cross trainer. It is simply another exercise modality.
Most of my remarks are focused on cross trainers that use upper and lower body, as opposed to lower-body only cross trainers.
Looking at common exercise modalities--stair climber, bike, treadmill, rower, cross trainer--I can explain why the cross trainer is so popular.
The whole idea of aerobic exercise is to reach an optimal level of cardiovascular intensity. It doesn't really make any difference how you do it. Stair climbers and stationary bikes utilize a relatively smaller amount of muscle mass in a relatively smaller range of motion. The result is that more of the effort is required from a localized muscle area to get to the desired level of intensity. At any given level of intensity, most average exercisers report a higher level of perceived exertion on a stair climber or bike. With time, you will gradually adapt to the muscle demands of the exercise, and that difference will lessen, but most people who are not dedicated cyclists or stair climbers end up doing lower intensity, shorter duration exercise on these machines.
Treadmills have a different problem. Walking, even at *brisk* speeds like 4.0-4.5 mph is still relatively low-intensity exercise. Many people have to add elevation--which is not always as comfortable--to get to the optimal level of intensity, or they have to run, which is a great exercise, but has some impact issues and is not possible for many people.
The cross trainer in some ways is the best of both worlds--it combines the dynamic intensity of running with lower impact and less strain on joints. It is more comfortable to work at a higher intensity--like running--but without the injury risk.
It may be that the article took the comments out of context--otherwise I am not really sure what the person was trying to say. All exercise involves "momentum" of some type, and if a person is reaching their target heart rate, then that is effective aerobic exercise.
I can only assume she was trying to say there are no strength training benefits to cross training, but that is true of any aerobic exercise.
In any case, everyone should be extremely wary of any "absolutist" statements about exercise. They typically are inaccurate and reflect the person's prejudices and ignorance more than anything else.0 -
The dumbest part is the line about running without shoes helping people avoid Plantars Fasciitis. HELLO, PF is terribly painful and one of the first changes you must make is wearing good shoes ALL THE TIME!
DUH0 -
The dumbest part is the line about running without shoes helping people avoid Plantars Fasciitis. HELLO, PF is terribly painful and one of the first changes you must make is wearing good shoes ALL THE TIME!
DUH
I know nothing about PF, but I have to say running barefoot actually IS better for you. Doesn't anyone remember a couple years ago there were studies done on this and they found that most running shoes alter and restrict the way your feet move and hit the ground. I remember NIKE designed a new runner that was completely minimal- basically it was for runners and all they wanted to do was make a shoe that protected the foot but was as close to being barefooted as possible.
would I run barefoot? no, it's freezing outside. But if I had a private indoor track, sure I would. The actual concept of running barefoot though is not "dumb" it's natural and well studied.0 -
Pickle juice is the BOMB!!!!!! I drink it when doing long bike rides (over 50 miles). It really does help prevent cramping! But I drink the Pickle Juice Sport...not "real" pickle juice. If you sweat a lot you really should give it a try on really long workouts.0
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Azdak... Thank you for your post; I think your views are well-reasoned and appropriate, but I do have a question about the point you made that I quoted above. In light of that statement, how do you classify plyometrics or jump training? For me, I have an hour-long workout of this type once a week, and my heart rate is very much elevated through the course of the workout, similar to a traditional "aerobic" activity. I am noticing modest gains in strength, balance, and kinesthetic awareness, but mostly in improved muscular endurance.I can only assume she was trying to say there are no strength training benefits to cross training, but that is true of any aerobic exercise.
I'll be interested to hear your views.0
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