Sunday, July 13, 2008

Real-life 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 backwards to the third. Dash to the fourth. The payoff: You’ll be able o dash after a zig-zagging toddler.

Rotate: Stand with your 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.

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