01. Finding a personal trainer Right, so it's you're all pumped to get going on a more effective exercise regime, but where do you find a trainer who can make the critical difference? FitnessDoc has some ideas. Read02. Sweat, baby, sweat To go or not to go, that’s the daily question. The answer is simple: go. Here’s everything you need to know about gyms and how to use them. Read 03. Why stretching is important Before you try any of the myriad facilities on offer, you need to warm up. Read 04. Finally, mistakes to avoid Make sure you avoid these gym and exercise mistakes. Read 05. Exercise balls These are big latex balls filled with air. They look more suited to a day at the beach than a gym, but they provide a surprisingly demanding workout. Read 06. Sauna or steam bath There's something blissfully smug about sitting in a steam bath after a major workout. It's also good for you, helping your muscles to relax. Read 07. The treadmill In a perfect world we'd have all day to go jogging on soft grass, free of dog-do and violent muggers, the air devoid of exhaust fumes. Read 08. The shower You've earned it, so make it a long one. Most showerheads can be set so that the water jet massages you. Read 09. The rowing machine This is a oft-neglected apparatus that can build upper body strength while helping you make the most of your time in the gym. Read 10. The step machines Some folk struggle with their coordination when they start using the step machine. If you do, persevere. It gets easier.
Read 11. The pool In summer plunging in seems logical, even mandatory. In winter it can seem daunting, even though the water is heated to a tepid, if not inviting level. Read 12. The exercise bikes Most people flail away at stationary bikes in particular without getting the full benefit of their efforts. Read 13. Free weights To a newcomer this can be very intimidating. Read 14. Circuits It's like a Grand Prix pit stop. People flail away at machines, obeying red and green lights and harsh buzzers. Read |
15. Aerobics Some folk are daunted by the idea of being shouted at by a physically perfect human being, while trying to trigger a heart attack. Read 16. How to spot a bad trainer Using a personal trainer is one of the best ways to ensure you achieve your fitness goals. However, if they're not properly trained they can do a lot more harm than good. Read 17. Gym boredom Even the most avid gym-rat sometimes flags. This may be because of boredom or a lack of results. Here are some ideas on how to inject life back into your routine.
Read 18. Has your gym programme lapsed? You used to be a regular at the gym. Then you had a bout of flu and had to stay away. You lost some muscle tone and all your motivation. You’ll do anything to avoid exercise. Read 19. Myths about weight training So how much should you believe that you hear about weight training? Not a lot. Find out what the truth is about this type of training. Read 20. Dumbbell is tops If you’ve reached a plateau of muscular development nothing helps you blast through it like that basic lump of iron, the dumbbell.
Read 21. Lunch hour workout You’re busy, so I’ll keep this short: you put in a full day’s work, have an active family life, a part-time MBA and a pet project. When do you find time to work out? Read 22. Proper hydration One of the most important factors which determines the success of an athlete’s performance is how much water he or she loses during an event. Read 23. Check your workout personality Prefer a slouch on the couch to a workout at the gym? It could be the fault of your workout personality. Here are a couple of ways to fix it, and crack that apathetic habit. Read 24. The naked truth It happens every morning: naked women - everywhere. The female change rooms at gym can be scary. Read 25. 10 nasty gym habits The gym has at least 10 unwritten rules. If you don't know what they are, you could be driving other gym users crazy. And that includes the hulk in the corner with the dumbbells. Read 26. Toning tips Get expert advice on how to tone arms without bulking up. Read | |