The Encore Fitness Blog Resources and information from top Las Vegas personal trainers, fitness and dietary experts. Carol Strom.

June 9, 2012

Using a Kettlebell Offers Several Health Advantages

A kettlebell is one of the more modern workout equipment pieces. It is a weight similar to a dumbbell that has been around for decades. It has only been recently that the wave of training with a kettlebell has taken place.

This weight is a round circular ball with a handle attached to the top. Only one handle is used per kettlebell and each kettlebell comes in a particular weight. Various weights are used and begin around 4 kilograms in size. The weights can go up to higher than 60 kilograms. The different weights available give people the ability to modify their workout as time goes by. Through a consistent workout, one will be able to increase the weight to provide a more challenging workout program.

An effective use of a kettlebell can provide many health benefits. The trick to taking advantage of the health benefit is to be sure one is using the kettlebell correctly. Qualified instructors are available to teach kettle bell workouts and can assist a person in optimising their own individual workout.

One of the major health benefits found as a result of working out with a kettlebell is the increase in muscle strength. Weight training provides stronger muscles and so does a kettlebell workout. Muscles will begin to develop and increase in strength within the first few weeks of a workout. The reason for this is that a kettlebell is a weight and as such is used like other weight lifting devices.

Another major benefit of using a kettlebell as a primary workout is the increased endurance one will discover. The kettlebell workouts are a full head to toe body workout. This type of activity helps improve several different body systems. As a result of stronger and healthier body systems, people have more endurance because they are not as fatigued. Fatigue happens when the body has to work harder to function. Increasing activity, such as in a kettlebell workout, helps to improve the overall health of the body’s system.

One of the top benefits and one of the most popular reasons to train with a kettlebell is the increase of rapid weight loss. Weight loss is increased by working out with a kettlebell because this workout incorporates several body systems at once. Two of the biggest ones are strength training and cardiovascular.

Overall, a kettlebell workout provides several health advantages which is why so many are beginning a kettle bell workout.

March 30, 2012

Fitness Tips: Building a strong core

Building a Strong Core

We rely on strong core muscles to stabilize the spine and help prevent injuries during everyday activities and sports. This exercise requires your abs to stay tight against the movement of the arms and legs.

Sit upright on a flat, level surface with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place a small, inflatable ball or firm pillow behind your waist. On an exhalation, create a C-curve with your spine, pressing the back of your waist against the ball. Maintain pressure against the ball as you bring your arms out to the sides and rest your hands on the floor. Pause for 2 seconds.

Keeping your abdominal muscles firm, raise your arms in front of your chest and extend your right leg until it’s straight. Pause for 3 seconds in this position. Remember to press your navel toward your spine to target your abdominal muscles. Lower your arms and then switch legs. Repeat 12 to 16 times, continuing to alternate legs.

March 29, 2012

Fitness Tips: Back stretch helps tighten abs

Back Stretch Helps Tighten Abs

When it comes to training your abdominal muscles, it’s good to introduce new moves into your routine so you continue to “surprise” your muscles. Otherwise there’s a tendency for them to go on autopilot and you won’t get the maximum benefit of your efforts.

Sit upright on a flat, padded surface or mat with a small inflatable ball or firm pillow behind your waist. Place your feet hip-width apart with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. To begin, place your left hand behind your head and your right hand behind your right thigh. On an exhalation, push your lower back against the ball and raise your right leg. Pause with your shin parallel to the ceiling.

Inhale as you roll back and extend your right leg. Remember to keep your abs contracted by pressing firmly against the ball or pillow. At first, just roll back halfway, and you don’t need to fully straighten your leg. Pause for 2 seconds, then exhale and roll back up to the start position. As you get stronger, place both hands behind your head and roll back a little more. Do 12 to 16 repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.

February 24, 2011

Health Tip: Cramp Got Your Leg?

A muscle cramp occurs when a muscle involuntarily contracts. It often occurs during a sport or other exercise, but a muscle can spasm even during sleep.

The ADAM Encyclopedia offers these suggestions for alleviating or preventing a muscle cramp:

  • Stop your activity right away, and perform some gentle stretching or massage.
  • Heat the muscle while it’s cramping. Apply ice for pain later.
  • Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help manage pain.
  • Drink plenty of water, a sports drink or take a salt tablet.
  • Don’t push yourself beyond your limit while working out.
  • Be sure to include enough potassium in your diet.
  • Stretch your muscles regularly.


Article from HealthDay News
Image from LegCrampsRemedy.com

December 9, 2010

A Good Turn For Your Shoulders

A Good Turn For Your Shoulders

Courtesy photo from LA Times

Shoulders are a very complex area of our bodies because they are highly flexible joints that move in many directions. It’s important to train them with appropriate exercises, like this one, designed to improve joint stability and muscular balance.

Sit upright in a sturdy chair (you can also perform it standing upright). Grasp a dumbbell in each hand. Begin with your upper arms hugging the sides of your torso, elbows bent at a 90-degree angle and tucked into your waist. Start with the ends of the dumbbell touching at the center of your waist.

Keep your upper arms pressing firmly against your torso as you externally rotate both your arms out to the sides. Be sure you make this movement happen at the shoulder joint while maintaining a bend at your elbow with your forearms parallel to the floor. Pause at the furthest point of the rotation. Slowly return your dumbbells to the center. Repeat for 12 repetitions. Rest a few seconds, then repeat two more sets of 12 reps.

story originally from LA Times | Health

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