The In Crowd
Body Weight Exercise: I love it! This makes exercising so much more appealing to those who think they have to go out and buy all sorts of expensive exercise equipment in order to get fit. All you need is your body and maybe a chair or bench of some sort, and you're good to go. My favorite body weight exercise is the push up, but burpees are a close second.
Functional Fitness: Another keeper, this type of exercise mimics everyday movements. If you're having trouble stepping up onto a curb, then step ups would be part of your program. If you have a hard time carrying groceries from the store without help, then strength training exercises for your arms would be part of your program. This type of fitness program incorporates exercises that help improve flexibility and balance to help prevent falls and thus the potential injuries that could result from those falls.
Exercise Programs for Older Adults: Excellent. This population is growing with the baby boomer generation heading into retirement. It's important to help older folks remain healthy and active. I'm fortunate to live in a community where there are many activities available to seniors, from golf and pickleball, to senior sports competitions, and a ton of walking and biking trails. And the locals take advantage of these offerings. There's no reason why older folks shouldn't stay active. In fact, it's highly recommended. And the fitness industry is standing up and taking notice with senior-focused classes such as Silver Sneakers, a program that helps seniors manage their health, and improve strength, balance, and endurance. Yay! Rockin' into twilight years in a rockin' chair? Heck no! These folks are ROCKIN'!
Children's Exercise Programs: I just don't get why there can be sports in school but not physical education classes. When I was in school, I was exempt for physical education class. It makes me dizzy to think of that now, but I put up with it at the time. I used a wheel chair on and off until I was 16 years old, and they didn't have special P.E. classes for kids in wheelchairs, so I would just go to the gym, sit on the sidelines, and invariably get smacked by flying balls and out-of-control kids. Finally, I told my parents I'd had enough, so they got me exempt. Heck, they could have assigned another kid in the class to play pitch and catch with me at the other end of the gym or put me in a room with a radio and had me dance from the waist up, but no, I was exempt instead. Crazy! Everyone can benefit from gym class, but a significantly fewer number of kids make it onto a team. I say relegate sports to community-based programs and bring back gym class to schools. I do think that personal trainers bringing their knowledge of youth fitness to schools is a good idea as well, but I'd rather see all kids benefit, not just the most needy or the most fit.
High Intensity Interval Training: I've heard a lot of negativity surrounding HIIT, but I've never done more than, say, 3-5 minutes on the elliptical at regular pace mixed with 1-minute faster intervals. Nothing fancy; nothing radical. I always watch my heart rate and perceived exertion so I don't overdo it. I don't like anything that's over the top. Challenge yourself, yes. But don't go so hog-wild that you risk injury. It's just not worth it. Unless you are in top shape, stick to moderate exercise. You can also mix it up with vigorous exercise now and then, but just listen to your body and let it tell you when to back off.
Group Fitness Training: I've never participated in group training or led a fitness group. I've never been a group person as far as exercise or hiking or site-seeing tours go. I like one-on-one instruction and conversations. Although I've been tempted to join aerobic classes at the gym, I prefer to exercise either by myself or with one other person, such as my husband, my mother or a friend, because I do have balance issues related to spina bifida, and I figure I wouldn't be able to do most of the intricate moves required. That said, I have noticed people located in the back of Zumba or kickboxing classes barely moving to the beat, so I guess I shouldn't be hesitant about joining in myself. The most important thing is to move--get the heart pumping, do what I can, focus on safety, and have fun. Maybe I'll try a class one day. I certainly can see the benefits of group fitness--accountability, economy, and socialization.
I'm kind of surprised by the choices for goners. I love using a stability ball in my workouts. I was afraid of it when I first attempted to use it years ago, but after a few wipe outs I nailed it and fell in love with it. So, it's a bummer that it's falling out of favor. Seems like it is versatile enough to have staying power. I've used the stability ball to do exercises for every major muscle group. One of my favorite stability ball exercises is one where I lie face up on the ball and toss a medicine ball back and forth with arms extended upward. It's freaky at first. I thought I was going to smack myself in the face with the medicine ball a few times, but after a short time of experimenting with it, I started to enjoy the exercise. It's a challenge, for sure, but I like challenges. So, I'll keep using the stability ball, because it provides me with a fun and varied workout.
As for Zumba, spinning and Pilates being out, well, that surprises me as well. I've never tried any of them, but they look as if they'd be varied and enjoyable on top of providing an awesome workout. I love to dance, so Zumba looks very inviting, and I've heard people rave about how fun it is. Spinning, well I can see how maybe it would get tiresome after awhile if the instructor isn't very good at coming up with creative and motivating ideas for class. Using a stationary bike isn't nearly as fun as riding the real thing outside in the sunshine and fresh air. The pulsing music and generated scenery can only help so much when the activity doesn't change that much. But again, I've heard from people who love it. I don't know much about Pilates other than that it can be used as a method of strength training so I don't feel as if I can comment on it much here.
My advice is to forget about trends and fads. Whether they're "in" or "out," give some of these and other forms of exercise a try. See what you think. Go with what is fun and brings you the results you're looking for, and pitch aside what doesn't work. Always make fitness fun and safe.
And You'rrrrre Out!
I'm kind of surprised by the choices for goners. I love using a stability ball in my workouts. I was afraid of it when I first attempted to use it years ago, but after a few wipe outs I nailed it and fell in love with it. So, it's a bummer that it's falling out of favor. Seems like it is versatile enough to have staying power. I've used the stability ball to do exercises for every major muscle group. One of my favorite stability ball exercises is one where I lie face up on the ball and toss a medicine ball back and forth with arms extended upward. It's freaky at first. I thought I was going to smack myself in the face with the medicine ball a few times, but after a short time of experimenting with it, I started to enjoy the exercise. It's a challenge, for sure, but I like challenges. So, I'll keep using the stability ball, because it provides me with a fun and varied workout.
As for Zumba, spinning and Pilates being out, well, that surprises me as well. I've never tried any of them, but they look as if they'd be varied and enjoyable on top of providing an awesome workout. I love to dance, so Zumba looks very inviting, and I've heard people rave about how fun it is. Spinning, well I can see how maybe it would get tiresome after awhile if the instructor isn't very good at coming up with creative and motivating ideas for class. Using a stationary bike isn't nearly as fun as riding the real thing outside in the sunshine and fresh air. The pulsing music and generated scenery can only help so much when the activity doesn't change that much. But again, I've heard from people who love it. I don't know much about Pilates other than that it can be used as a method of strength training so I don't feel as if I can comment on it much here.
My advice is to forget about trends and fads. Whether they're "in" or "out," give some of these and other forms of exercise a try. See what you think. Go with what is fun and brings you the results you're looking for, and pitch aside what doesn't work. Always make fitness fun and safe.
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