Originally published August 17 2005
Exercise products make toning simple
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
There are many products on the market such as resistance bands to make toning your muscles easier.
Brightly colored elastic resistance bands or tubes are popular because they're inexpensive, lightweight, portable pieces of exercise equipment that can help people strengthen and tone.
The way they work is simple: The more you stretch the band, the greater the resistance.
You can make the exercises easier by using a longer piece of band or make the moves more challenging by shortening or doubling the band (form a loop).
Using them to gain strength, which boosts metabolism, also can help people lose weight.
For older adults, strength training improves balance.
Leigh Vigneri, a physical therapist at Rochester General Hospital's outpatient rehabilitation program at 1850 E. Ridge Road, Irondequoit, uses the bands with clients, as well as exercise balls --- another handy, affordable piece of home exercise equipment.
Today and each Sunday through August, she demonstrates some exercises with either the bands or the ball that are suited to beginners.
It's wise to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
She recommends doing each exercise 10 times at a comfortable pace.
You can build up to three sets per session.
Secure one end of the stretch band to a banister, doorknob or something else at waist level.
Keeping your elbow at your waist and forearm parallel to the floor, pull your arm across your stomach, stretching the band.
This is the opposite movement of the internal rotation.
Stand with the secured band on your left side and hold it in your right hand, with your elbow at your side and your left hand across your stomach.
Keeping your elbow at your waist and your forearm parallel to the floor, rotate your arm out to the side, stretching the band.
(After 10 repetitions, face the other direction and repeat with your right arm.)
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