Posts Tagged 'Back Straight'

Steps for Walking Exercise

Funny, some may laugh why we have to learn to walk?  As long as we can we can walk, we can do the walking exercise.  Yes, it’s true but there are some proper steps how to do it properly.  Before doing walking exercise, make sure that you follow the steps first. 

How to walk

Believe it or not, there is a right way to walk.  As with sitting and standing, you must hold the right posture when you step, or you risk damaging your bones and muscles.  To saunter suitably, first keep your back straight, pelvis forward, and buttocks tucked.  Walk with coordinated (or parallel) leg and arm movements, breathing steadily.  This “walking tall” posture will give you a higher center of gravity, which in turn gives you a longer, more effective stride.  Use a backpack for belongings—instead of a purse of handbag—to leave your arms swinging freely.  Remember, no hunched shoulders, stiffly swinging arms, or heel slamming.  Walking—especially fast—should be naturally fluid and relaxed.

Keeping in Stride

A common question among walkers is “Am I walking fast enough?”  here are some guidelines:

☻  You should walk fast enough to notice your breathing, but never so fast that you are out of breath or gasping.

☻  If you’re having a conversation, you should have to pause regularly to breathe.  If you’re talking at full gossip speed, you’re not walking for cardio-vascular fitness.

☻  You should be sweating a little bit.  Elevated body temperature usually accompanies harder work and an elevated heart rate, and sweat is a natural healthy response.

Finding a shoe That Fits

If you’re serious about walking as a form of exercise, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of walking shoes.  Just like the rest of the body, your feet—which contain 25 percent of the body’s bones—will get tired and sore if not treated properly.

Most people mistake running shoes as a sure bet for comfortable walking shoes.  But walking shoes are designed specifically for the biomechanics of walking, which are quite different from running.  Walking shoes have more foot bed cushioning for more stripes and sole that aids in the heel-toe roll.  Walking shoes are sturdy, built with more leather than running shoes, and usually last three times longer than your typical good-quality joggers.

Source:  Fit Your SwimSuit

The GYM Workout (2)

Triceps

One-Arm Cable Triceps Extension:  Stand facing the base of the cable machine and attach a handle to the high pulley.  Hold the handle in your right hand, palm up.  Bend your elbow and rest it lightly against your right side [1].  Rest your left hand on your hip or the machine.  Now without locking your elbow or allowing it to move out to the side, straighten your right arm [2].  Slowly allow the weight to pull your arm back to the starting position.  Complete the set, then work your left side.  Keep your back straight throughout the exercise.  Hunching over when pressing the weight down lessens the impact on your triceps and negates the benefits.

Hamstrings

Two-Up/One Down Leg Curl:  Lie facedown on the leg-curl machine so the edge of the padding touches your thighs just above the knees.  The backs of your heels should rest against the ankle bar.  Bend your knees, curling your feet toward your buttocks without allowing your hips to lift off the machine allowing your hips to lift off the machine [1].  Once you reach the top of the movement, hold the bar up with your left leg and lower your right leg until straight.  Now slowly lower the weight with your left leg.  Use both legs to raise the ankle bar again.  Hold  the bar up with your right leg, then lower your left leg all the way.  Now use your right leg to slowly lower the weight.  Alternate right and left legs to complete the set.

Biceps

Negative Arm Curl:  Sit  straight in the arm-curl machine with your arms out-stretched and the center of your elbows aligned with the machine’s  pulley.  Grasp the handles with an underhand grip.  Bend your elbows and curl the weight toward your shoulders. [1].  Hold a moment, then slowly lower the weight [2].  Taking a full six seconds to straighten your arms [3].  Mae sure you keep breathing as you go. – Liz Neporent


 

May 2012
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