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The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter, Issue #175. How to create a simple home gym. March 15, 2016 |
Hi
March 15, 2016
In this newsletter . . . Create a no-excuses gymBecome a six-minute hero
Create a no-excuses gymI have a small home office where I do my writing. It was converted from a guest bedroom to a convenient workspace. On days when I don’t want to go to a gym, it transforms in a flash to a workout room.
Hung neatly in my storage closet and next to a metal filing cabinet are sets of resistance bands and a rolled up yoga mat. Required time to convert my office to an exercise room: less than one minute. So short of illness, there’s never an excuse for missing a workout.
I’m not saying people who enjoy the camaraderie of a gym or health club should give up their memberships. I’ve belonged to gyms for years. On the other hand, in the time it takes to drive to the gym I can be halfway through my workout at home. I can workout here, take a shower, and I’m done. No traffic, no searching for a parking place, no hassle. You may be thinking that’s all well and good. But are those resistance bands really that effective? Without hesitation, I can say that they are. In fact, they are very effective. I’m not running down free weights. I use free weights, and, as I said, I’ve belonged to gyms for years. Nonetheless, resistance bands are a great training option. For around $50 to $100 you can have a total home workout system that can go with you when you travel. When my wife and I went away for a few days not long ago I brought along the bands in a small (13 x 13 inch) satchel that came with the set, and we never missed a workout. You can take them anywhere. Another huge plus is that I have never — and I mean never — developed any tendinitis while using resistance bands. Does that mean it can’t happen? Of course not. It is possible to develop tendinitis while using any kind of exercise equipment, or even bodyweight exercises alone.
Okay, so let's say you’ve been working-out across town at the Big Iron Gym. You’re a senior but still hanging in there with the young bucks. Maybe you have a notion that resistance bands are kind of wimpy. You’ve seen those skinny little elastic bands lying around the aerobics’ room. Erase that image. The bands I’m talking about are the kind some professional football teams use. So don’t be fooled. There are plenty of companies selling resistance bands. I bought mine from the BodyLastics company. You’ve probably seen the ads on my website. Complete sets come with easy level resistance bands to strongman thickness and various levels in between. If you're cramped for space, short on time, or working within a limited budget, a good set of resistance bands may be just the training solution you're looking for.
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Become a six-minute heroImagine a friend, a loved one - or anyone - suddenly collapsing and gasping for air or going immediately unconscious. Could you help? Would you know what to do? Every three days, more Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest than the number who died in the 9/11 attacks. Now imagine how good it would feel if you were able to apply a simple technique and save the life of a sudden cardio arrest victim.It isn't complicated. The older method of CPR, which combined mouth-to-mouth breaths with chest compression, has been found to be less effective than continuous chest compression alone. It really is simple. You can learn how to do them in a six-minute video from the University of Arizona School Medicine. Watch the video and know what action to take in an emergency. Invest six minutes. It is a heroic thing to do. CPR video here.
 Newsletter Policy The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter is a free publication sent twice monthly to subscribers. The purpose is to provide honest and realistic fitness information for people age 50 and above. I have never been paid or received compensation of any kind to write a positive review or endorse a product. If I say that I personally use a product or service, it is because I find value in it and have paid for it with my own money. Like newspapers, magazines and television, this newsletter and my web site contain advertising and marketing links. Naturally, I am compensated for these. The newsletter and web site provide information to help users establish and maintain a fitness lifestyle. But fitness information is not the same as fitness advice, which is the application of exercise and dietary practices to an individual's specific circumstances. Therefore, always consult with your physician for assurance that fitness information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate for you. Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom. |
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