Home fitness equipment
Things to consider include:
- Benefits – examples of home fitness equipment include stationary bicycles, treadmills and cross-trainers that work the arms and legs at the same time. Exercising on home fitness equipment is ideal for people who are housebound (such as parents of small children) or for those who don’t wish to exercise outdoors or in gyms. You can also exercise while watching television or listening to music if you want to.
- Issues to keep in mind – home fitness equipment is expensive and takes up a lot of space. Walking, running or cycling in the one spot can also be boring. Many people stop using their home fitness equipment within five years of buying it. If you start a home exercise routine, a qualified person must show you how to use the equipment. Otherwise you risk injury or may become disappointed when you don’t reach your goals.
Running
Things to consider include:
- Benefits – running is a weight-bearing activity so it helps to build strong bones. It’s one of the best ways to increase your cardiovascular fitness and burns lots of kilojoules.
- Issues to consider – the impact of each foot striking the ground puts a heavy load on joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles throughout the body, which could lead to injury. Running does need equipment, including properly fitted running shoes. If you run along major roads, you may breathe in exhaust fumes from passing vehicles. Running is not advisable for people who are unfit, obese or new to regular exercise.
Swimming
Things to consider include:
- Benefits – swimming is a low-impact activity. The buoyancy of the water supports your body so the risk of musculoskeletal injury is small. Swimming strokes exercise the entire body but particularly the muscles of the back, chest and arms. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise for most people, particularly people who are frail, elderly or obese.
- Issues to consider – swimming is a learned skill. You may need to take swimming lessons if you are a beginner. Swimming is not a weight-bearing activity. Compared with weight-bearing activities, such as walking or running, you will not strengthen bones or burn as many kilojoules.
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