Tried and True Exercises That Need to Make a Comeback
By Genevieve Cunningham
Exercise is an interesting thing. There are some exercises -- running, yoga, sports -- that never seem to go away or lose popularity. And then there are some exercises that seem to wax and wane in their appeal to the masses. While it’s a good idea to experiment and keep your workout interesting, there are some exercises that you can always come back to when you aren’t sure where to turn next. They’ve worked for years, and they’ll continue to work far into the future. If you need to spice up your workout routine, take a look at these old classic exercises that should make a comeback today.
Push-Ups
Push-ups are so great for the body. They work the shoulders, the core, the arms. They’re almost a full body workout! While these are still heavily used in many circles, the everyday man has gotten away from this basic exercise. If you want a good way to strengthen the body at home (or anywhere!), push-ups are a great choice.
High Knees
These can be done in place or you can move. These are done by bringing the knees up as high as you can while making a running motion. Most people strive to bring the knees above the waist. Why is this a good exercise? Because it is great cardio, improves flexibility of the legs, and boosts lung function.
Sprints
There was a time when sprints were the go-to cardio exercise. Why? Because they’re tough! Sprints require major work on the lungs as well as a powerful burst of energy from the body as a whole. If you want to get in shape faster, add these back into your workout routine. Alternate sprinting with jogging, or try sprinting up hills to really give yourself a challenging new (old!) workout.
Torso Twists
The torso twist is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll sit on the ground, knees up, with your body in a V position. It’s basically the sit-up position when you’re “up.” Staying in this V, you’ll twist the torso, moving the elbows from one side of the body to the other. When you get good, you can hold weights in your hands. This gives the abdominal muscles a great workout and also increases your range of motion.
Sometimes it’s best to stick to things that are tested and proven to be effective. These exercises have proven themselves over the years, and they’ll likely continue to prove themselves as basic staples of good fitness. Add these back into your routine, and you’ll likely find some big improvements in your health and fitness right away.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Boynton Beach, Fla.
