Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned vet, most likely you once experienced the feeling of walking into a gym and not knowing where to begin. With all the various cardio and weight equipment, how do you know where to start? Is it with cardio? How many days a week should you weight train? What type of training is right for your body? A lot of questions tend to flood the mind and can oftentimes scare people away from returning to the gym. Let’s break things down a bit, starting with: what is vertical training vs. horizontal training?
Vertical training can be viewed as anything that involves ascension (i.e. rising/climbing), whether actual or simulated. Examples of vertical training could be climbing on the Stairmaster, an inclined walk or run on the treadmill, or mountain climbing.
Horizontal training, on the other hand, refers to exercises that would keep your form parallel to the ground. Some typical exercises include using the rowing machine, running (without incline), or working out on a stationary bike.
Now that you know the differences– which form of training is best?
If you guessed both, you are correct. Neither is necessarily “better” for you than the other. It’s up to personal preference and which part of the body you are looking to train. Some machines may better benefit those recovering from an injury, while others training specific skills or for a competition may want to use others. The best thing to do before questioning what type of training is right for you or getting overwhelmed by all of your options is this: come up with a clear and defined list of goals.
Knowing your goals may seem pretty obvious, but it’s a lot more than simply knowing you want to lose weight, or you want to get stronger. Break down your overall goal into smaller ones. If you want to lose weight, ask yourself where you want to lose the weight. Is it from the stomach area? Maybe you want to tone your arms? Knowing the muscles you would like to strengthen will help you narrow down which machines to use and what type of exercise you should be engaging in.
If you have your “baby goals” written down, but you’re still unsure where to begin, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for help. More often than not, people enjoy helping others who are looking to better themselves. Making your health a priority is an admirable goal, and many share that goal. Everyone starts somewhere, so ask a friend or fellow gym-goer how to use a machine you’re unsure of. Better yet, ask an employee to help you out. If extra assistance is needed, consider signing up for personal training to get a deeper, more personalized plan for you.
Once the “scariness” of the gym goes away, you will be surprised how much easier going seems to be. Don’t be afraid to try new machines, attempt a new class or make a new friend. As author Jack Canfield once put it, “everything you want is on the other side of fear.” So, where will you begin? Is vertical training better than horizontal? In the battle between the two, both win. Train the way that best fits you, and watch all you can accomplish!
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Fun runs, 5ks, half marathons, and full marathons usually spark either excitement or dread into the hearts of those who love running or those who despise it. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, or you enjoy quick 30 minute jogs on the treadmill, the warning that running can be harmful or your knees is something most everyone has heard.
1. Does running cause osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis occurs when your bones becomes brittle and frail, due to loss of tissue. While some have argued that running increases the risk of developing osteoporosis further down the line, it is not entirely true. Many other outside factors like genetics, weight, diet & previous injuries may all have an effect, and play into whether or not a runner will develop the disease.1
2. Is running unhealthy for pregnant women?
Not necessarily and here’s why: running “can help ease delivery and encourage the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus.”2 Most women can walk, jog, and run up until the third trimester; some can even run through it.3 However, since everyone’s body type is different, always consult your doctor before engaging in a new fitness routine, especially if you are pregnant.
3. Does running cause joint inflammation?
According to a study done by co-author Matt Seeley, an associate professor of exercise at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah, he and fellow BYU colleagues, as well as Dr. Eric Robinson of Intermountain Healthcare, measured the typical knee joint fluid found in selected healthy men and women aged 18-35, both before running and after. They found that two markers they were looking for, two cytokines named GM-CSF and IL-15, actually decreased in the subjects after 30 minutes of running.4 This study indicates that for young and healthy individuals, running may help create an anti-inflammatory environment that may benefit joint health long-term. Of course, everyone’s body handles things differently. If you feel like running is causing inflammation in your knees, speak with your physician.
Fun Fact!
Did you know? You don’t necessarily have to carb load before a race. Sorry to break the news to pasta lovers out there, but carb-loading really only helps if you’re running a half marathon or longer.5 This is because carbs are stored as glycogen in our muscles and liver, where they act as energy. Running a 5k or 10k will not cause your body to need the extra glycogen. For most of us, our bodies already have enough carbs stored up to get us through the smaller races.
!! Tips for Runners
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This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Are you searching for “kickboxing near me”? Stop the search party because you’ve struck fitness gold with Kickbox Cardio classes at LA Fitness. These classes aren’t just a workout, but an experience. With classes designed to kick, punch, bob, and weave your way to...
Dancing requires your brain to process and coordinate multiple things at once. Find out how having fun can benefit your body and your brain!
Paul and Karen share how they have maintained a lifelong commitment to living an active lifestyle and break down their weekly gym routine.
