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August 2007
ACTIVE IN THE SPRING
ACTIVE IN THE SPRING
The ideal place to go during times of bad weather is your local gym or fitness club. You certainly won’t get rained on there and you can train in comfortable temperatures. Working out at the gym will gradually make you stronger, strengthen your immune system and help you greet spring in good shape. Keep in mind: It’s very important to work out regularly. A half hour of routine physical activity two or three times a week is better than an excessively hard workout once a week. And should you have fairly strong “couch potato” tendencies, maybe the following will motivate you: Even at rest, stronger muscles consume more calories. So, the right workout will not only help you get in shape, it will also help you keep the shape you desire.
LESS IS MORE
The training machines in most women’s fitness studios are geared for gentle training. Less weight, but longer training sessions build and firm muscles in a natural way and are easy on ligaments and joints. When exercising this way, you should remember to keep your movements slow and don’t forget to breath correctly. Exhale when exerting your muscles, inhale when relaxing them. Have a trainer show you how to operate a new weight machine to avoid making the wrong moves. And don’t forget to drink water now and then; mineral water or cold fruit tea is best.
SAY GOOD-BYE TO WINTER FAT
Before you train on weight machines, you should definitely warm up on a cardio machine such as a stationary bike, treadmill, or rowing machine. As with the weight machines, less is more. If you over-exert yourself too much or train on the anaerobic machines (such as weight machines) at too high a heart rate, you will tire faster and your muscles will experience acidosis. However, when you use the aerobic machines, you can keep track of your heart rate precisely by using a heart rate monitor. Try to keep your heart rate under 140. Aerobic exercise supplies oxygen to the muscles, and after 20 minutes you will begin to burn fat cells. And a controlled cardio training session that isn’t too strenuous is better for your heart and circulatory system as well as your joints.
DONT FORGET YOUR REWARD AFTERWARDS
For some, relaxation afterward is the best part of the workout. First, have a hot shower using Cashmere & Orchid Shower Cream from NIVEA Bath Care, for example, and then enter the wellness oases that most gyms and fitness clubs offer. After the sauna and solarium, don’t forget to re-moisturise your skin. Why not try Goodbye Cellulite from NIVEA body? Once you have thoroughly rubbed in the cream, stimulate your circulation again as a last step to cut down the risk of sore muscles later. When rewarded so luxuriously, your body won’t be able to wait for the next workout.
