I am having a very tough time on treadmills lately. This is VERY unexpected, since I used to use those things nearly every time I ran.
But I think that was just because I had industrial-sized fans blasting around me, a luxury I no longer have.
So now I run outside and can pretty much strength-train anywhere. However, I still have a gym membership, and this is why:
Sorry about the blurry picture, but this is a Jacob's ladder. It basically winds around so you can continuously climb up it. This is a tough workout -- 15 minutes is already a lot to me!
While it may look scary, it actually doesn't start moving until you're near the top. This way, if you get tired, it stops moving. It figures all this out because you're required to strap your waist in and adjust it per your height. Don't worry, it's an easy step!
This ab machine is also pretty neat. To use it, you put your knees on the platform (bottom) and your elbows on the two bends at the top. Then you grip the handles and slide your knees toward your chest. This works abs and obliques if you turn the platform like shown in this picture.
I LOVE these "HOIST" brand weight machines, because the seat moves as you do the moves! Not sure if that makes it more effective, but I do love involving more of my body in weight training. This one is a shoulder press.
This rope-pulling machine has got to be my favorite. The rope winds around so you can continously pull on the rope as if you're climbing. The settings range from 1 (min) to 7 (max). I usually put mine at 5 for about 3-5 minutes, though I can do 7 for a few minutes. The rope can be adjusted from vertical (shown) to horizontal to get a different upper body workout.
Finally, there's this thing. It's not an elliptical. It's not a stepper. It's sort of a hybrid. This machine is quite a bit more difficult than the ellipitical in that you need to stride with both your legs AND arms. It is unforgiving if you don't have the correct form (i.e., it won't move otherwise). I've been using this machine a lot these days!
But I think that was just because I had industrial-sized fans blasting around me, a luxury I no longer have.
So now I run outside and can pretty much strength-train anywhere. However, I still have a gym membership, and this is why:
Sorry about the blurry picture, but this is a Jacob's ladder. It basically winds around so you can continuously climb up it. This is a tough workout -- 15 minutes is already a lot to me!
While it may look scary, it actually doesn't start moving until you're near the top. This way, if you get tired, it stops moving. It figures all this out because you're required to strap your waist in and adjust it per your height. Don't worry, it's an easy step!
This ab machine is also pretty neat. To use it, you put your knees on the platform (bottom) and your elbows on the two bends at the top. Then you grip the handles and slide your knees toward your chest. This works abs and obliques if you turn the platform like shown in this picture.
I LOVE these "HOIST" brand weight machines, because the seat moves as you do the moves! Not sure if that makes it more effective, but I do love involving more of my body in weight training. This one is a shoulder press.
This rope-pulling machine has got to be my favorite. The rope winds around so you can continously pull on the rope as if you're climbing. The settings range from 1 (min) to 7 (max). I usually put mine at 5 for about 3-5 minutes, though I can do 7 for a few minutes. The rope can be adjusted from vertical (shown) to horizontal to get a different upper body workout.
Finally, there's this thing. It's not an elliptical. It's not a stepper. It's sort of a hybrid. This machine is quite a bit more difficult than the ellipitical in that you need to stride with both your legs AND arms. It is unforgiving if you don't have the correct form (i.e., it won't move otherwise). I've been using this machine a lot these days!
Don't get me wrong... I still bike, elliptical, do mat work, stretch, and even run like I have always done at gyms, but these extra little gems make the experience so much more interesting and challenging at times. I think my overall fitness depends on variety like this.
I heart your gym. I wish I lived closer so that I can be a member of your gym. I don't heart the showers though. I guess my gym is okay too.
ReplyDeleteWe have that same precor at my gym. I want a Jacobs ladder though!
ReplyDeleteI really miss my gym. Last night I did leg raises hanging on to a corner of my couch. Yeah, I'm that guy.
ReplyDeleteyou make me wanna take my camera with me to the gym tonight!!
ReplyDeleteHey, really great blog posts… I've enjoyed reading through your blog because of the great style and energy you put into each post. I actually run AceHealth.org, a blog of my personal research and experiences. If you're interested, I would love to have you on as a guest blogger. Please send me an e-mail: bob.mauer65(at)gmail(dot)com, and I can give you more information. Looking forward to hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteHi Friends,
ReplyDeleteGym equipment is useful for improving strength, defining and toning muscles as well as improving cardio. Sometimes it is very inconvenient for people who want to work out to go to a gym. Thanks.
Fitness equipment can help body exercise for man and woman. Every day it is use improving healththy lifestyle.The information present here this blog is helpful for the readers.
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