Many people say the only way they can get through their time on the elliptical or treadmill is to grab a gossip magazine or a good book. But have you ever wondered what your workout would be like without them?
Here are some things I have noticed 1.Reading is one of the #1 culprits for BAD FORM. I have seen people all leaned over a machine, abs completely disengaged, lower backs taking a beating from bad posture. Their elbows are locked out and wrists are hyperextended as people try to hold themselves up or shall I say over the book or magazine.
2. Health Magazine stated some time ago that reading while exercising decreases your intensity and therefore calorie burn. Seriously--I see people moving at a snail's pace or their pace is not consistent. Plus think about the chick who shows up at least 3 times a week to get her 30 to 60 mins of cardio in while reading. Did you know if you put the book down you could probably lessen your time at the gym, because you could increase your intensity level?
3. Holding a book while in motion and trying to focus your eyes as they move across a page simultaneously as your body keeps a rhythm can cause you to be off balance. Oh believe me I have seen people lose a beat or two but luckily I haven't been a witness to any major disasters. Seriously, falling off the back of a treadmill while it's in motion doesn't sound like the exercise or recovery you came for.
I don't know about you, but personally I wouldn't want sweat dropping on my nice new magazine or book either. :-)
If you must be entertained, here are some solutions:
1. Try downloading books from audible.com or Amazon into your mp3 player. You can get the same benefits of passing the time and increase your level of intensity.
2. Since you may not be able to download OK magazine, US or Entertainment Weekly, try scheduling your cardio time around your local TV listing of E. Most gyms have some type of TV system. Grab your headphones and plug in. PS, they are lighter in weight and take less space. :-)
So the next time you are heading to the gym, think twice before picking up that magazine or book.
Here are some things I have noticed
1. Reading is one of the #1 culprits for BAD FORM. I have seen people all leaned over a machine, abs completely disengaged, lower backs taking a beating from bad posture. Their elbows are locked out and wrists are hyperextended as people try to hold themselves up or shall I say over the book or magazine.
2. Health Magazine stated some time ago that reading while exercising decreases your intensity and therefore calorie burn. Seriously--I see people moving at a snail's pace or their pace is not consistent. Plus think about the chick who shows up at least 3 times a week to get her 30 to 60 mins of cardio in while reading. Did you know if you put the book down you could probably lessen your time at the gym, because you could increase your intensity level?
3. Holding a book while in motion and trying to focus your eyes as they move across a page simultaneously as your body keeps a rhythm can cause you to be off balance. Oh believe me I have seen people lose a beat or two but luckily I haven't been a witness to any major disasters. Seriously, falling off the back of a treadmill while it's in motion doesn't sound like the exercise or recovery you came for.
I don't know about you, but personally I wouldn't want sweat dropping on my nice new magazine or book either. :-)
If you must be entertained, here are some solutions:
2. Since you may not be able to download OK magazine, US or Entertainment Weekly, try scheduling your cardio time around your local TV listing of E. Most gyms have some type of TV system. Grab your headphones and plug in. PS, they are lighter in weight and take less space. :-)
So the next time you are heading to the gym, think twice before picking up that magazine or book.
What are your thoughts?
Taj