Answer To Your Fitness Questions" />Water Aerobics: A Great Altnerative Workout
May 28, 2007
Water aerobics is a fantastic alternative for many people wanting to exercise when they are coming off an injury, are very overweight, desire to minimize joint stress or possible injury. There is a however though, and that is, when it comes to weight loss it has been thought that land aerobics is superior to water aerobics.
The studies show through research with American Council on Exercise that the results are in, that training in water can elicit the same beneficial body composition changes seen when training on land if the duration, the frequency and the intensity are the same used in land.
The benefit is? That you can use land or water equally and see great weight loss results!
Remember, variety is a great way to keep results coming everyone! So get in the water!
Some Great Ways To Stop Getting Shin Splints
May 23, 2007
Take good care of your legs as they do so much for More often than not we all have experienced shin splints. Whether it be from running on a hard surface or wearing shoes without proper support we have felt the pain of them. Here are 4 simple home-style remedies for shin splints, however, if it continues to get worse or does not heal be sure to see your doctor, it could be something more serious.
1) Shoes: A good pair of running shoes that is fitted by a professional shoe retailer who knows what they are talking about is your best bet. Preferably someone who runs themselves will know what features work and feel best and will help you choose the pair best for your foot. Oftentimes shoes will last only 3-6 months and they may look in good shape on the outside but on the inside will be totally broken down. Be sure to take a good look at “what” you are running in and make necessary corrections. Study it out, particularly because everyone has a unique foot.
2) Surface: Every time you take a step you put into your body, shock, 3 times your body’s weight. When running 3-5 miles you could be putting a million pounds of shock into your body just in that one run. So choose a surface that has less resistance such as a good track at a school or grass. Stay away from the pavement.
3) Stretch: Before you run, warm up the muscles sufficiently and then stretch the shin muscles. Get in the habit of making stretching a priority, after warming the body up and after completing your run. One great stretch is to stand on Right leg with a slightly bent knee as you step the left leg back behind you and place the top of the foot on the ground and press into the floor the top of the foot to radiate the stretch into the front shin.
4) Strength: Strengthening the shin and calf muscles will help alleviate those shin splints as well. By doing some toe raises and calf raises take care of both opposing muscle groups and they can take more punishment. It’s clear that we often neglect these particular muscle groups.
Happy running!
