Being Fickle About Your Workouts Pays Off
By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Bone loss, back pain, high cholesterol ... very different problems. But there's a single solution: Abandon the same old workout routine.
Your mind isn't the only thing that's tired of the treadmill, bored with the bike or completely out of love with the elliptical. Your body might not be getting everything it wants, either.
Research shows that the broader the variety of exercises you do, the more health benefits you get. The triple reward for consistently mixing it up: stronger bones, a limber (and ouch-free) back and a healthier cholesterol profile. (And let's not forget a higher chance of not burning out on one particular workout.)
When women who went through menopause early combined a range of physical activities -- from strength training to jumping rope -- the results were clear: Broadening their fitness menu expanded their physical benefits. After two years of doing cross-training workouts at varying speeds and intensities, the women had increased their bone mass, boosted their muscle strength, reduced their back pain and improved their cholesterol profiles.
Mix strength and cardio workouts into your week, and try these strategies to keep things fresh:
--Add intervals -- short bursts of increased intensity within a workout.
--Explore new equipment or classes. Or take up a new sport, such as racquetball or ballroom dancing.
--Try combo classes. Many water workouts blend swimming and strength training; yogalates combines yoga and Pilates.
--Work out with a buddy. Get the benefits and joys of socializing (and maybe even enjoy a little friendly competition) while you work out.
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The YOU Docs, Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen, are authors of "YOU: The Owner's Manual." Want more? See "The Dr. Oz Show" on TV (check local listings). To submit questions, go to www.RealAge.com. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Read more about By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D. at ArcaMax.com.
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