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Recent exercises of the day

Stretch helps runners, walkers

Personal fitness trainer Lisa Newman demonstrates the runner's lunge with equalizer bars

Runners Lunge with Equalizer Bars (Thighs)

Preparation: The runner's stretch for the thigh category is the hamstring and thigh stretch. In running, keeping the hamstring muscles stretched will prevent knee, back and calf injuries.

Stretch helps runners, walkers

Newman demonstrates the StretchRite Trainer hamstring/thigh stretch that helps to prevent injuries.

Runners Lunge with Equalizer Bars (Thighs)

Preparation: The runner's stretch for the thigh category is the hamstring and thigh stretch. In running, keeping the hamstring muscles stretched will prevent knee, back and calf injuries. When using the StretchRite trainer, the handgrips provide better control to hold the stretch and release the thigh tension.

Squat, stretch to work glutes

Lisa Newman demonstrates a one-leg squat and extension with equalizer bars.

Preparation: The runner's stretch for the buttocks category is the hip
and glute stretch. The StretchRite trainer is an effective stretching
tool that anyone can use regardless of age or fitness level. Handgrips
are designed so the user can increase the degree of the stretch by
changing hand positions.

Twist your way to a tight waist

Alexis Simon, 7, of Ridgeland and personal trainer Lisa Newman perform a balance disc seated twist exercise.

Balance Disc Seated Twist (Waist)

Preparation: The cardio activity is the hula hoop for fitness and fun.
This is a great way to work the waist muscles and work up a sweat. Hula
hoops for kids and teens are a little smaller than adult fitness hoops.
The hoops range from 36-45 inches in diameter. Based on your height,

Balance disc adds stability to basic crunch

Corey Newman, 13, of Clinton and personal trainer Lisa Newman perform a balance disc basic crunch exercise.

This FUN cardio activity using a medicine ball incorporates muscle
strength, muscle power, coordination and overall body agility.

 

Exerbar Bicep Curls (Arms)

Bronwyn Scott-McChaern (left), 16, of Jackson and personal trainer Lisa Newman use an exerbar to perform bicep curls.

This FUN Cardio activity using a reaction ball is a great exercise to develop eye-hand coordination and overall reflexes. The unpredictable bounce of the rubber ball forces split second decisions to grab or get to the ball. Keep the cardio FUNctional for one minute, or use music to cue the beginning and the end of the exercise.

Action boosts sports performance

Dexter Greenwood (left), 9, of Ridgeland and personal trainer Lisa Newman perform a sports swing.

The FUN Cardio activity jumping jack is a simple way to introduce cardiovascular endurance while strengthening the upper and lower body muscles.

Strong muscles improve posture

Euell Greenwood, 15, of Ridgeland and personal trainer Lisa Newman use a NRG Ball to perform straight arm back raise exercises.

The FUN cardio activities train the heart, lungs and circulatory system to work more efficiently. Just as the arm and leg muscles need to be trained to become stronger, the heart muscle needs to be strengthened to sustain your life. FUN cardio is encouraged a minimum of three days a week for 20 minutes.

Modified push-ups build stamina

Eric Newman (left), 17, of Clinton and personal trainer Lisa Newman use a NRG Ball to perform push-ups

The FUN cardio enhances creativity and conditions bodies to become stronger and healthier. Cardio-sport activities like boxing spark the fun of athletics into a non-competitive approach to fitness. The No. 1 goal is to get kids and teens moving. Using the boxing shield with the boxing gloves will condition the upper body muscles.

Pair shoe irons with balance disc

Chloe Lacey (left), 16, of Kosciusko and personal trainer Lisa Newman perform balance disc inner thigh crossovers with shoe iron

The functional cardio activities are kid-friendly, innovative, challenging and safe. Using the slide board will simulate skating or roller blading without the outdoor distractions and dangers.