When exploring different ways to incorporate more exercise into your routine, one option to keep in mind is the use of exercise equipment. Incorporating exercise equipment into your routine has numerous benefits, such as:
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Offers versatility to your routine.
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Can promote strength and cardiovascular challenges.
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May be a safer option. For example, if new to strength training, strength machines help control your muscle movement, which is ideal for those new to strength training. This lowers your risk for injury.
There are dozens of different types of exercise equipment out there. We’ll explore two today and even more further down the road in your MyCare Journey.
Resistance Bands: often considered one of the safest pieces of equipment out there. A few benefits of using resistance bands include:
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Low impact.
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Inexpensive.
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Space-saving, requiring little storage space.
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Convenient (e.g., can use at home, take with you when you travel, etc.).
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Resistance band exercises can be completed standing or sitting down.
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Total-body focused. Meaning, you can work all the main muscle groups with fewer exercises.
Check out this video from Silver Sneakers that provides tips for how to use resistance bands.
Arm/Foot Ergometers: Regular use of this piece of equipment has proven to help improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle definition, flexibility, and coordination. Here are a few ways to fit in quick bursts of exercise using an ergometer. You can “air pedal” (where you mimic pedaling with your arms and/or legs) if you do not have an ergometer.
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Pedal with your arms as you listen to music or a book on tape
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Pedal with your arms or feet as you watch your favorite tv show
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Pedal with your feet as you talk or play a game on your phone