Monday, March 18, 2013

Varied Exercise Routines Target All Body Areas

By Nolan Berrie


One of the reasons why many people give up on an exercise routine is because it becomes monotonous and boring. However, if you create a balanced workout program for yourself not only will you be more interested, you also probably will find that your overall health improves.

While many people stick with the same workout each day, if you want to work all of those muscles and increase flexibility and body tone, it is important to incorporate several key exercise elements.

Stretching is an often overlooked part of exercise, but it is extremely important and helps prevent muscle strain. Not only does it help prevent injury when done before exercise, it helps prevent joint stiffness and fatigue after exercise. In addition, stretching improves your range of motion. For example, if your body feels stiff when you lean over to pick something up, proper stretching can improve your flexibility and reduce that stiffness. Stretching throughout the day, especially if you have a sedentary job, is a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall well being.

Aerobic exercise is one of the three key components of a balanced exercise routine. This includes any type of exercise that increases your heart rate and also uses large muscle groups. For fun, you can vary the type of aerobic exercise you do throughout the week. Maybe you will use the treadmill two days a week and take two aerobic dance classes. Even taking a variety of different hikes or walks can be fun, trying different scenery and terrain.

Another important element is strength or muscle training. This includes weight lifting and exercises such as push-ups, leg squats and abdominal crunches. You can purchase free weights or create your own with plastic water bottles and sand. Resistance bands are another option that uses your body to strengthen muscles.

When muscle soreness becomes an issue, as it often does when exercising, there are several ways to alleviate pain. Consider a relaxing massage targeting the sore muscle groups. Using hot or cold compresses or a combination of both can decrease pain and swelling. Another good idea is to invest in some physiological hybrid shapes, such as those created by RapidForce. These shapes are specially designed adhesives that you place on a sore muscle. The physio hybrid shape draws strength and support from nearby muscle groups to support the sore muscle.

These shapes can be worn during exercise, so if you have a strain but wish to continue exercise, the hybrid shapes will support that strained muscle. There are physio hybrid shapes for shoulders, knees and the upper or lower back. For those with a back strain, even sitting up to work at a desk can be painful, but a physio hybrid shape can be worn during the day to lessen pain and add back support.

While you don't have to join a gym in order to get into shape, it is a good idea to meet with a fitness expert or a physician to help you create the perfect exercise and nutrition program for you.




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