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Keeping fit at all times is necessary for both mind and body.
If you are in your middle ages, exercising would most probably be a part of your daily routine. As we age, our muscles tend to lose strength. If we are to keep fit, it is essential that we engage in some kind of exercise.
Today, with the variety of fitness equipment in the market, individuals from all ages can purchase the sort of machine they want that works best with the type of exercise method they use. Treadmills, stationary bikes and loads of other equipment are frequently used for these purposes.
The aerobic rider is a kind of fitness equipment that a majority of youngsters as well as older people use in order to lose weight and burn their body fat. But recent studies show that this may not always be true with the aerobic rider.
Professionals from the IDEA Fitness and Health Association, after comparing the aerobic rider with other equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes and cross-country skiers, came to a conclusion that the aerobic rider was not as good as the other equipment that helped in burning more calories.
Individuals generally make use of different exercise machines mainly because they want to lose weight, increase their metabolism as well as increase their chances of burning fat fast. If an aerobic rider cannot do the latter part, what use would it be for fitness freaks?
There were many more studies conducted on the aerobic rider to prove that it did not burn as much calories as the treadmill. Unfortunately, the results were still the same. Users who tried different types of aerobic riders ended up with similar outcomes.
Although the total workout intensity was the same as the treadmill, the calories that were burned were in a lower category.
In addition to the above findings, researchers also say that the aerobic rider has a limit to its workout level. For example, once a person hit a certain level of their fitness requirement, the aerobic rider was unable to provide with a more challenging workout thereafter.
If you are wondering why the aerobic rider is still in the market if it has such shortcomings, think differently. Majority of individuals who are in the beginners stage of their fitness workout use the aerobic rider to get what they want. Some use it as a warm-up before doing more strenuous workouts. There are different aerobic riders in the market so it is better to purchase one that fulfils your basic requirements.
Converseley if you are looking for an aerobics program that would help you lose weight and keep you fit and in shape?
You should try step aerobics which is very different from other forms of aerobics. Here too various arm and leg movements, with music, are followed, but it also includes a small platform, called the step.
The routine would include stepping on to and off the platform continuously. It tones the muscles in the lower part of your body and generally provides a much
more intense work out than other exercises.
Step aerobics classes are offered by a lot of gyms across the country. Most of the time, the step platforms are usually provided by the class, however if it is not provided you would have to get one for your yourself, and it would not cost you more that $100.
The minimum height for the step would be 4 inches but can be adjusted according to the needs of the individual, such as experience, height and comfort.
As effective as step aerobics maybe, it often leads to injuries. The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine gives a few tips on how to prevent such injuries from occurring.
First, you must not use a platform that is too high for you. Second, always place your foot fully on the platform. Ensuring that the heel of your foot is on the platform as well. Third, do not hop on and off the platform as this could lead to fractures. Finally, ensure that the shoes you wear during the workout are well padded.
The benefits of step aerobics are many. Like all other exercises, in addition to toning and shaping your body, step aerobics helps burn calories and fats. It also helps to stimulate the circulation of blood around the body and reduces blood pressure levels. It is very good for the cardiovascular system.
If you suffer from knee or back injuries, consult your physician before taking up step aerobics. In order to prevent further strain to the back and spine, keep your body straight during the routine.
Always remember to warm-up before the step aerobics session if you are doing it yourself at home. This is vital in order to prepare the body for the vigorous exercises that would follow.
For it to be effective, these step aerobics routines should be performed frequently with the same intensity. Always remember to maintain a good diet to go hand in hand with the exercises to give you good results and always drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration.
All the Best!
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