|
Is there a best time of the day that proves to be the most effective to do exercise?
The best time would be one that is most convenient for you to exercise regularly. For example, (and this is not a fact) scientists suggest that exercising in the morning is more effective. However, being able to exercise three to five times a week, for 30-60 minutes each time is more important than the time of the day during which you exercise.
How can I achieve a leaner tummy?
Weight training and stretching exercises go hand in hand. It is not true that weight training makes you inflexible, as long as you use full range of motion and do muscle stretching.
How do I avoid knee problems that are often caused by long term jogging?
Most people develop joint problems because they overuse their joints - which can occur with distance running - or injure them (eg with twisting injuries). The best way to avoid such problems is to listen to your body. If the knee hurts while running or after (including next morning), it is your body telling you that you have overstrained/overused the knee. Worse if there is swelling and limitation of movement. You need to find out what is causing the pain and make the necessary changes before continuing with the activity - in the case of running, the terrain plays a part, as well as the running shoes. For frequent runners, it would be advisable to change your shoes every 6 months or so, and also to ensure that the shoes are suitable for your type of body and feet. A well-drawn up training programme will also help reduce the risk (there should be gradual increases in training loads), as well as to ensure that the muscles which are used in running are kept strong and flexible (through strength training two to three times a week and stretching especially after workouts). Running on the treadmill or on a softer surface such as a running track at the sports stadium would also reduce the impact strain on the knee.
What does stretching have to do with sports performance?
Stretching to improve your flexibility can improve your sports performance. For instance, if you are more flexible and have greater range of motion, your tennis racket or the head of your golf club will travel farther, increasing the force with which it impacts the ball.
Should I use machines or free weights?
As Deion Sanders says, "Both!" You can get good weight training results from either machines or free weights. A combination of both is probably best.
Strength training machines are easier to learn, can be useful for rehab, make it safer to do a weight training routine without a spotter, are more comfortable for beginners, and can allow you to change resistance faster.
Free weights (barbells and dumbbells) allow more variety of movement; train balance and coordination, which weight training machines donīt do; allow more functional movements; and are better for many types of sports training. Make sure you learn correct strength training exercise technique whichever approach you take. Try both machines and free weights, and see what works best for you.
|
