More Money for
Muscles
by: Sherri L Dodd
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.
http://www.momlooksgreat.com
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