Indoor machines

Press, 23 February 1989, Page 10

Indoor machines

Q: Io my climate, outdoor exercise is sometimes inconvenient and uncomfortable. Pm considering investing in some type of indoor equipment. What do you suggest?

A: Any of several machines will help you keep your training level up while you remain indoors.' Many • people especially * like 'stationary bicycles? Runners say that within a? few .weeks, the machine; makes them as fittas ruhning does.

In fact, some say the stationary bicycle gives an effective workout in less time because their bodies are more efficient at bicycling than at running. Many also hop aboard when injuries prevent them from hitting the pavement. Cross-country , ski machines, which duplicate the arm and leg actions of ski-ing, are also popular. They not only provide aerobic benefits, but also strengthen the muscles in the arms, shoulders, trunk, and legs. You may feel awkward and unco-ordinated when you use a cross-country ski machine for the first time. But only a few hours of practice at a low resistance will leave you feeling much more comfortable and natural.

A cross-country ski machine offers important advantages. Your legs do

not pound the ground; the low-impact workout reduces the chance of injury. Also, muscle groups throughout the body share the workload, and benefit from the sharing. Rowing machines offer similar advantages, with a bit more emphasis on strength development. In fact, many runners use rowing machines to supplement their outdoor runs. ■. ,

If you are a seriously devoted runner and want to maintain your running fitness, a treadmill is the machine for you. Many clubs have big, powerful, fancy models with options that include pace control, hill simulators, speed, time, and distance gauges, and even energy and heart monitors.

If you prefer the convenience and privacy that a home machine offers, you can invest in your own equipment. The more expensive models are electric, complete with all the gadgets, and usually feature smooth motion and padded footbeds, to reduce the stress of impact. You can adjust any of these machines to get the exact level of workout you desire. They - also let you read, watch television, listen to the radio, or even watch the baby while you exercise.

— Copyright Jazzercise

Another aerobic option to outdoor exercise is Jazzercise. Execute these movements, demonstrated by Ineke Chapman, to your favourite music for an indoor aerobic workout. Do not forget to add an appropriate warm-up and cool-down period.

LEFT: Stand with your feet together, knees bent, and your heels pressed firmly to the floor. Place your arms near your sides with the hands in a flexed position.

RIGHT: Spring lightly off the floor. Land on your left leg with the knee bent slightly and your right leg extended to the side. Point your right foot and touch your toes to the floor lightly. Swing your arms out to low diagonals with your hands extended. Reverse movements one and two to the left side and repeat the entire sequence 30 times. Suggested Music: “I Wanna Dance With You,” by Eddie Rabbitt. Judi Sheppard Missett’s Jazzercise