Money-wise For Muscles
by Sherri
L Dodd
zone3
American Council of Exercise teamed with Consumer Reports to find the
most effective exercise equipment. While they had plenty to say about
weight equipment and cardio machines, abdominal, butt and inner thigh
devices barely received a nod. In fact, the words used were “None worth
considering.”
Now, remember the purpose of Consumer Reports is to find the best buy
for the money, which may contribute to the lambasting of belly and butt
busters. But, the duo went on to explain that a large portion of the
devices did not do what they claimed and the rest proved no more effective
than regular floor exercises.
For abdominals, and the often forgotten Obliques, if you find that you
are bored with the same old crunch session, my suggestion would be to
consider the many alternatives. Mom Looks Great has a list and the
instructions to a plethora of abdominal exercises. Leg lifts (for
abdominals? …YOU BET!), side crunches and free weight side bends to name a
few offer different positions as well as target different areas of the
muscles. All are completely free of charge; and, unlike the devices, can
be done on a whim. This beats running to the garage to blow off the dust
from your $20-30 piece of hinged metal.
For your Glutes (i.e., butt), there are also many muscle toning
exercises from which to choose. Add free weights and you can bet that your
backside will be burning from the progress you will be making. First off,
a simple, non-equipped squat is one of the best and most effective
exercises for the backside area. Depending on your strength, add 10-20
pound dumbbells and eventually your favorite pants will have a whole new
fit. As a side note, one of my favorite behind builders is the dead lift
with dumbbells. While this move is more for your hamstrings, it definitely
adds definition to your behind.
For some, this run of the mill free stuff just doesn’t ‘do it’. If you
are one of those who must invest money on contraptions to promote
motivation, then let it be. Anything that motivates an individual to
maintain a healthy lifestyle cannot be all bad. But, if you can get past
the notion that more money means more results, a pair of good running
shoes, a small set of free weights and a floor mat will provide a
well-rounded fitness routine that has proven effective time and again.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sherri Dodd is the creator and author of Mom Looks Great - The
Fitness Program for Moms. She is also an ACE-certified Personal Trainer
and a Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant with over fifteen years
of exercise experience. She is dedicated to a life of fitness as well as
encouraging others to establish healthy habits and a better quality of
life.
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