June 20, 2006 – 11:59 am
by Heather McLaughlin
So the day has come. You’ve stood on your bathroom scale and the number it displays makes you want to jump into action. It’s time to lose some weight!
Now you just have to get started. (It’s always recommended that you consult your primary care physician before starting on any exercise program, so be sure to check with him/her first.) If it’s been a while since you’ve actively exercised, it might be good to start out with a low impact exercise program to ease stress on your joints and bones. Here are some great recommendations
for starting your low impact workout program:
Biking Riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise without causing pain or discomfort in your hips, knees and joints. The bike supports your weight, taking the pressure off of these body parts. Biking primarily works the bottom half of your body, and helps to tone your calves, thighs and buttocks. Biking burns 130-145 calories per half hour. (based on 150 pound body weight.)
Elliptical Trainer An elliptical trainer can simulate many different types of exercise, cross-country skiing, walking, running and jogging. The benefits of elliptical trainers are that (again) there is no impact, because your foot stays positioned on a foot pedal, instead of hitting the floor over and over again. You’ll burn approximately 10 calories per minute you use this type of trainer.
Swimming Water bears no weight, so swimming is a great way to exercise without causing undue stress to your joints and bones. Swimming will help burn calories and tone your entire body. A half an hour swimming laps can burn as many as 345 calories, depending on your body weight and the type of stroke you do. Be sure to use goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine and to prevent irritation.
Even if you aren’t new to the exercise game, any of these activities compliment an active lifestyle and will improve your fitness levels. It never hurts to mix up your workout routine, and any of the above are fun ways to keep your workout interesting.
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.