Feb 13, 2004 05:44 PM
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(Updated Mar 03, 2004 05:58 PM)
You?ve heard it before: regular exercise increases your energy and metabolism, improves strength and flexibility, decreases stress, brightens your mood and helps fight diseases as you age. With all those benefits, why would you ever skip a workout?
Exercise must become one of those things that u do without question, like bathing n brushing ur teeth. Unless you are convinced of the benefits of fitness and the risks of unfitness, you?ll not succeed. So lets have a quick look at the most happening fitness trends in their benefits?
1) ASHTANGA YOGA
This is basic yoga which involves moving from one pose to another at a quick Pace, complemented by deep breathing, It might be advisable to learn slowly and gently first.
Benefits
It boosts heart rate and tones muscle.
2) BIKRAM YOGA
Now very popular IN THE West, its yet another variation of good old yoga. Its done in a heated room.
Benefits
The heated room helps with warm up and stretching .But those with heart problems shold take care.
3)STABILITY BALLS
These are big plastic balls, like those seen at beaches, which are used for balance training and to improve flexibility.You might need to have someone help u in the early stages.Many exercise routines havenow incorporated stability balls.These routines should be taught by a qualified instructor.
Benefits
It helps with serious toning of muscles .Great for abs and improving flexibility.
4)KICKBOXING
Derived from the martial art which a derivative of contact karate, the exercise is an all?over body workout consisting of kicks, punches, jumps, squats and push-ups.It all goes to make up one very high?intensity workout.
Benefits
Great total-body wokout in terms of cardio strength n flexibility.All muscles are well?worked.
5)MAT-BASED PILATES
These focus on building core(deep abs and back) muscles. It can be tough for people with limited flexibility, but this improves with practice.
Benefits
Builds abs, streches abs and improves flexibility.
6)CIRCUIT TRAINING
This work out consists of constant switchovers between cardio and weight in rotation, for example, a minute of jumping rope followed by a minute of chest press.
Benefits
Its fun, prevents exercise monotony, high energy and burns calories. It combines aerobics with weight training.
Choose a type of exercise you like?one that fits ur personality or needs. They all sound so interesting, don?t they?.These days variety is what works!
Don?t try to do too much too soon as that often leads to soreness, fatigue or injuries, and don?t quit before you have a chance to experience the rewards of improved fitness. You can't regain in a few days or weeks what u have lost in years of sedentary living, but u can get it back if u persevere. And the prize is worth the price.
Remember, fitness should not be a fling, but a lifetime commitment. Once u get on a regular programme, exercise can become addictive, and it?s the best addiction u can have!
What say?
