Running on Empty

A sexy pair of legs moseys its way down a soft, vacuumed carpet, around a bend, and through a long, narrow aisle.

Suddenly, these shapely stems, which are encased in bright spandex, dissolve into a jungle of many others, instantly blending into the vibrant surroundings like chameleons. The long row of gams seems endless. They're shaking, they're baking, they're working like jackhammers - together in harmony ? as if they were all drilling for oil.

The machines drown out the booming disco racket from the overhead speakers. All you hear, aside from the constant hum of machinery, is metal on metal, minus the smear of grease.

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

The stunning blonde attached to these legs peers down at a dark screen. At first, it looks like she's about to indulge in a game of Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, but in actuality, her ensuing fun is of a much different variety. This woman is about to work out.

After punching in a few keys as if it were tax time, her hips slowly begin to grind, and just like that, the fun has begun.

Needless to say, the year is 1999 and what once was accomplished with such basic simplicity has now entered the world of hi-tech devices and advanced microchips.

To a new patron, who just wandered through the door, it all seems a bit pretentious as he peers over the motoring array of Stairmasters, steppers, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

The observer smirks and chuckles, knowing well that, not so long ago, for the goal at hand, two legs and an old pair of Nikes were all that was required.

However, the art of running seems a forgotten trade, not just for the random observer, but for the fitness public in general. For the mainstream crowd looking to foil the flab (and perhaps partake in the social aspects), a nice, honest jog through the park loses out to a sweat-session on the stairs any corporate day of the week.

Yet, one fact remains, the same fact that has survived both the tests of time and the endless evolution of technology. Nothing will whip you into shape faster and more effectively than a good, primitive run.

Aside from the fresh air that expands your lung capacity, something you can't get at an indoor gym, running continues to stand as the leader in conditioning, fat burning, and keeping your heart rate up. Just compare the three miles down Main Street with the same distance on the rubbery conveyor belt of a treadmill. The difference in the way you feel is astounding.

But one such concept factoring in the demise of running is the belief that it is a muscle man's worst enemy. Reports that running will chisel away on that hard-earned beef have been relentless. Thus, the running fad has come to heel a bit, almost seemingly limited to the hard-core crowd.

The experts say that the ideal method, however, to avoiding such a tragedy is to jog lightly for the first twenty minutes and then upgrade to a more vigorous pace thereafter. After the twenty-minute segment, the body generally kicks into the fat-burning business as opposed to the muscle-consuming business. Remaining at a steady, moderate pace (say 70 percent), and ditching any hopes of becoming the next Jesse Owens would seem the most logical approach, especially for new runners.

Besides, doesn't a nice stroll along a quiet country road amid the birds and the tress sound somewhat appealing? Doesn't it beat gaping at the sweat-drenched back of the guy on the Stairmaster in front of you?

If this is you, then perhaps it's finally time to leave those noisy treadmills and squeaky stationary bikes behind ? far enough behind to choke on your dust.

Vitamins & Supplements ? Find a large selection of vitamins and supplements for your nutritional needs. You will find supplements for all your health, sports, bodybuilding & fitness needs. We carry all major name brands. Copyright ApolloSupplements.com - MuscleMaster

In The News:


Prosecutor starts aerobics, yoga program for jailed kids in Mobile ...
Press-Register - al.com, AL - 8 hours ago
The routine looked to be the usual calorie-incinerating cardio blast, the kind popularized by Saturday afternoon infomercials and mid-morning cable exercise ...

ABC News

Not only do we have to exercise, we have to enjoy it too
Los Angeles Times, CA - Oct 8, 2008
Here’s the rundown: For adults, HHS recommends 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week -- that’s walking briskly, water aerobics, ...
Exercise during pregnancy cuts complication risk MSN India
ACSM, American Heart Association Support Federal Physical Activity ... Fitness Business Pro
all 486 news articles

Vote for Ms. Fitness
Tampa Bay's 10, FL - Oct 9, 2008
She was also a group exercise instructor of six years in group exercise classes including the following: step aerobics, cardio- kickboxing, floor aerobics, ...

Diet Detective: Q&A with cardio fitness pioneer
News Sentinel, IN - Sep 29, 2008
His health scare triggered not only his first book, the 1968 best seller “Aerobics,” but also a fitness revolution. He has now written 19 books, ...

Examiner.com

The Body Defined
Examiner.com - Oct 9, 2008
AFAA (Aerobics and fitness association of America), ACE, and CPR certified as a personal trainer and fitness expert. Zoller also has a 16 year history with ...

SRWC offers group exercise classes with a twist
Advance Titan, WI - Oct 5, 2008
... mats for abdominal crunches and steps for cardio or assisting in sculpting muscles in the lower body. Students who attend aerobics are challenged to ...

Workout of the Week: BodyPump
Daily Camera, CO - Oct 6, 2008
... teaching step aerobics, pre- and post-natal aerobics, sculpt and tone, "Silver Sneakers," high- and low-impact aerobics, cardio-kickboxing and BodyPump. ...

Community marches to end violence
Peterborough Examiner, Canada - Oct 10, 2008
This class offers 60-minutes of step-aerobics sure to give you the cardio workout you've been looking for, guaranteed to get your heart pumping and your ...

Boost Your Cardio for Downhill Skiing
MountainZone.com, WA - Oct 9, 2008
If you've given it your all in that 12 minutes, this will give you a pretty good indication of your aerobic capacity. Build a routine. Cardio workouts ...

LV Campus Times

Students encouraged to get physical
LV Campus Times, CA - Oct 9, 2008
Some of the classes include step aerobics, kickboxing, advanced fitness training, yoga, pilates, power conditioning and cardio cross training. ...
aerobics cardio - Google News

Running on Empty

A sexy pair of legs moseys its way down a... Read More

Winter Running: Survival Tips For Your Feet

The days are shorter, the air is colder and the... Read More

Benefits of Elliptical Training

The basic motion of an elliptical trainer is a smooth,... Read More

Aerobic Training

How to start your aerobic training program:Consider first setting your... Read More

Why Your Cardiovascular Workouts Might Be A Big Waste Of Your Time

What if I were to tell you that most if... Read More

Maximum Cardio

Depending on your goals and body type, different amounts of... Read More

Are You Making This Cardio Mistake?

Are you exercising for long periods of time to try... Read More

Better Cardio Workouts

The Cardio KingChange it upOne of the most important aspects... Read More

Running in The Zone: A Personal Account

Running in The Zone has to be one of the... Read More

Chronic Headaches And Pain Often Can Be Eliminated By A Special Dentist

Denver, Colorado/Las Vegas, Nevada-Sometimes as Freud once said, "A good... Read More

Guidant Corporation Recalls Heart Defibrillators

A worldwide recall was announced by Guidant Corporation for nearly... Read More

Cardiovascular Training - From the Heart!

Cardiovascular training, or aerobics, requires a different approach than other... Read More

Elliptical Workouts

Elliptical workouts basically involve aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. Elliptical cross... Read More

Integrated Training for Improved Cycling Performance - Part 1

As we all know cycling is a great way to... Read More

Playing Your Cardio Right

To many, that half-hour a day is the most enjoyable,... Read More

Using Nutrition to Boost Your Cardio

So, you're doing cardio religiously and you're not getting any... Read More

Lose Weight And Skyrocket Your Metabolism With Regular Cardiovascular Exercise

Do you try to eat well, even diet, but aren't... Read More

Integrated Training for Improved Cycling Performance - Part 2

The previous article looked at postural issues and possible muscles... Read More

Aerobic Cross Training for Weight Loss

Do you sometimes get bored with your aerobic exercise? Do... Read More

How To Start a Running Program

Running or jogging is one of the best ways there... Read More

Burn 340 Calories a Day with Aerobic Exercise

Strengthen your heart and lungs and give your body a... Read More

An Alternate Fitness Tool

Any competitive or recreational athlete will use a variety of... Read More

Spinning Exercise

Spinning exercise or studio cycling is not only popular these... Read More

Cardios Effect on Overall Health

When most people hear the word "Cardio", their mind automatically... Read More

Spinning Classes - Indoor Stationery Bicycle

Over the years I have changed my exercise routine continuously.... Read More