Real-Life Exercise

Tips for building strength and skill that you can use on a daily basis.

• Lose the Weight
• Get Motivated
• Cardio Workouts
• Exercise

Running on a treadmill going nowhere or pushing weights through mindless repetitions can get so boring. Try functional fitness. You can build strength, agility and stabilizing skills in a way that carries over into everyday life. You lift weights so you can tote a heavy bag, or sprint so you can catch a bus. Try these tips from trainer Juan Carlos Santana, an expert on this craze:

Lift weights standing up. This forces your core (abdominal and back) muscles to work. A strong core helps you lift heavy loads without hurting your back.

Do real-life cardio. Set up a course with cones. Run to the first cone as fast as you can. Side-shuffle to the second. Walk backward to the third. Dash to the fourth. The payoff: You'll be better able to dash after a zig- zagging toddler.

Rotate. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold a weight out in front of you and twist side to side, for better reaching and bending.

From Reader's Digest - January 2006

 

• 50 Habits of "Naturally Thin" People
• Make these weight-loss tips a part of your daily routine!
• 
• More Habits of Naturally Thin People
• A handful of additional ways to burn calories every day -- effortlessly.
• 
• Easy Ways to Lose Weight: 50+ Ideas
• Look slimmer, feel trimmer!
• 
• Easy Ways to Cut Fat and Calories
• Tips to trim calories and fat without giving up your favorite foods.
• 
• Good Ways to Get Going
• Figure out what exercise works best for you.
• 
• 8 Ways to Burn Calories Without Noticing
• Add a little more activity into your daily routine.
• 
• A Strong Case for Strength Training
• Gain energy, strengthen your bones, rev your metabolism, and lower cholesterol!
• 
• Walk Your Way to Weight Loss
• You don't need a gym membership to do this effective exercise.
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