exercising at home-related stories
DIY Olympians trying to keep up
The Olympics have definitely inspired my family. My girls are enthralled by the female divers and gymnasts, doing flips off the couch after watching. My husband got caught up in the fever of the men's swim team and even tried to swim across a (small) lake during our vacation last week. I wasn't sure who was going to save him when he realized he wasn't Michael Phelps!The Olympics are meant to be inspiring, and it's awesome to see people everywhere taking an interest in their favorite sports. But what we all need to remember is that Olympians dedicate their entire lives to their sport, training every day for years. The BBC is reporting that manufacturers of fitness equipment are fielding calls from DIY Olympians who want to set their rowing machines, stationary bikes, and treadmills to perform at the same pace as their favorite Olympians, so that they can follow along at home.
The danger in this, besides breaking your expensive fitness equipment, of course, is that the average Olympics viewer is not in Olympian shape. Instead of trying to keep up with your personal Olympic hero, follow along at home within your own personal limits. Be inspired by the Olympics not to beat your favorite athletes (an impossible task), but to challenge your own personal best. If you're looking for workouts to motivate you, check out Kristen's post on turning Olympic inspiration into perspiration.
Falling for fitness gadgets
During one restless night last month, I decided to move to the couch to see if the TV would put me to sleep. Instead, I found myself watching some late night infomercial, and in my exhausted stupor I caught myself thinking, "Wow. That really might be something I need." Thankfully, I fell asleep before I could do anything about it.
Have you bought exercise equipment that either doesn't do what it claims to do or just sits in your corner as an unused showpiece? I'm sure you aren't alone. Ever since Suzanne Somers showed up on TV screens with her Thigh Master, it seems like manufacturers have been putting out one device after another.
Consumer Reports recently reviewed many of the more popular exercise devices. In nearly every case, CR found that simpler exercises (like walking, free weights, mat work, etc.) were at least if not more efficient than using the device. It's a good reminder that fitness need not be complicated or expensive.
Have you bought exercise equipment that either doesn't do what it claims to do or just sits in your corner as an unused showpiece? I'm sure you aren't alone. Ever since Suzanne Somers showed up on TV screens with her Thigh Master, it seems like manufacturers have been putting out one device after another.
Consumer Reports recently reviewed many of the more popular exercise devices. In nearly every case, CR found that simpler exercises (like walking, free weights, mat work, etc.) were at least if not more efficient than using the device. It's a good reminder that fitness need not be complicated or expensive.
10 reasons to avoid the gym (and workout at home)
Gyms are a popular place to get fit, but they certainly aren't the only place. If you can afford the membership fees and have a location near your work or home, then a gym or fitness center may just fit perfectly into your life. But what if you don't have either of those things? Working out at home is not only a great alternative, you might just find that you prefer it. You don't need fancy machines and a room full of equipment to get in shape, and exercising in the comfort of your own home lets you control your environment to get an optimum workout. Looking for more reasons to stay home? Check out this list of ten more reasons why home workouts rock. What about you? Where do you prefer to exercise?
