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The Pros and Cons of Treadmill Running

Is it better to run on a treadmill or on the pavement? This is a common question people ask ever since treadmill has been invented, and the truth is there are pros and cons to both. Here some of the pros and cons of treadmill training versus running outside on a trail.

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Pros

  • Same Level of Difficulty

The question of difficulty level arises when it comes to running outdoors versus indoors. People assume that running outdoors is much harder than conquering miles on a treadmill. However, research shows that setting the treadmill on one percent incline accurately gives the same difficulty level of running outdoors. Therefore, it’s just as effective as long as you add a bit of incline.

  • Simulate Race Environments

Some of the more advanced treadmills have the ability to let you create your own course, which you can use to simulate the exact course you are training for. Even if you are not training for a race, you can switch your path environment to make you feel as if you’re running in an exotic trail. Running on a treadmill also saves you from the worry of temperature, terrain, and weather issues, which could mean if you despise the excruciatingly hot weather of Singapore.

  • Less Stressful On the Joints

The cushioned belt is much more forgiving than hard cement. Training on a treadmill help reduce the impact on your feet’s joints and the body as a whole. This can be especially helpful when coming back from an injury.

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Cons

  • It Can Be Boring

There’s no doubt about it—running outside is boring. Even if you have the best workout playlist or you’re watching TV, it’s just too easy to keep on looking that clock in front of you—and see that it has only been a minute since you start running.

  • Not Much Muscle Is Working

Because there’s a machine powering the belt you’re running onto, your muscle works differently when running on a treadmill. You use your quads to push off, but your hamstrings aren’t working as much as they would. When outside, you rely so much on your hamstrings to do every stride and lift your legs behind you.

  • You Can Lose Your Agility

While treadmill is good for your joints, you don’t get the benefit of running on uneven trail. Even if the ground outside feels flat for you, you know that it’s never as flat as the treadmill. Running outside is beneficial in terms of practicing your agility as the constant adjustment to the environment is great for balance and coordination and help improve your ability to perform everyday activities.

The bottom line is that if you want to be obedient with your fitness practice, it’s better to go for a treadmill. It will keep you motivated and encourage you not to skip your workout sessions. On the other hand, if you’re training for a big race and would want to improve your agility, running outdoors is your best bet.

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8 Essentials for Building Your Own At-Home Gym

The struggle is real in making exercise a consistent part of our lives. While we know that regular exercise will make us feel good, give us more energy, and reduce stress, trekking our way to the gym and going back home discourages us to keep ourselves moving.

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Luckily, there’s one more thing you can do to squeeze in workouts into your busy lifestyle—by creating your own gym at home. Here are eight basic essentials when building your own at-home gym.

1. Yoga Mat – A workout space won’t be complete without a simple yoga mat. Even if you don’t do yoga exercises, a good mat is useful for exercises that require lying on the floor and to cushion yourself from jumping moves.

2. Stability Ball – This workout equipment is handy for strengthening the core and muscles. Just ensure to get the right ball size for you weight and height.

3. Resistance Bands – From the name itself, these gym essentials are great for adding resistance training to your routine.  Place them in a bag or stash them inside your closet for easy storage.

4. Pull-Up Bar – Some equipment can add variety to workouts, like a pull-up bar. This equipment can target the abs, biceps, and back, depending on the workout you perform using it. Check out bars that can be hanged in the doorway or build your own from spare metal bars.

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5. Stopwatch – An interval timer is handy for keeping track of your rests and sets. Purchase a simple stopwatch or make use of your phone’s interval timer.

6. Weight Bench – This bench isn’t only for lifting weights, though it is its main purpose. You can also use it for core workouts and other body weight exercises that will strengthen your upper body.

7. TRX Suspension System – This may look like a simple gym facility, but it provides powerful full-body exercise while simultaneously enhancing your core strength and balance.

8. Medicine Ball – This is another equipment to add more weight exercise to your at-home gym, but in a more dynamic way. Both of your hands have to be on the ball as you squat or lift to add strength training to standard workouts.

With a bit of planning and knowing what essentials to buy, you’ll have everything you need for your at-home gym and reap all the benefits of healthier lifestyle in the comfort of your own home.

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5 Yoga Misconceptions Everyone Should Stop Believing

Even with its different types, all yoga is basically about the discipline of body and mind. Most people see yoga as a form of relaxation, while for some an effective exercise. As it is popular like other workout routines, you’ve probably heard several opinions and beliefs about it. With this, we’ve rounded up five of the most common misconceptions about yoga that you should stop believing if you’re considering on engaging into this activity.

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1.       Yoga isn’t a real form of exercise. It’s true that most forms of yoga don’t burn as much calories as aerobics, running, or any other cardio workout. Nonetheless, it does improve one’s balance, flexibility and strength, which are all essential aspects of physical fitness. If you want higher intensity yoga, practice Ashtanga, Bikram, or Vinsaya yoga.

2.       You should be flexible to perform yoga. This is definitely the top misconception about yoga. Even if you’re not flexible, it’s actually possible to take part in a yoga class. Yoga instructors are the ones in charge in easing you into posture and modifying various poses to make them feasible for everyone. With constant practice, you’ll develop the flexibility and strength you didn’t have before you started.

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3.       A complete lifestyle change is needed before practicing yoga. What you want to achieve from yoga is actually a personal choice. You can take weekend classes to help you improve your flexibility, or you can also turn it into your way of life. Most yoga practitioners see the routine as ethics, religion, or service, but you really don’t have to turn vegan or abstain from your vices if you want to practise yoga. Yoga only acts as a way to make you more mindful with your lifestyle.

4.       It is a religion. While some yoga studios and gurus merge yoga with religious beliefs, this is not always the case. There are so many yoga studios that teach yoga only as a way to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and overall fitness and health levels.

5.       Hours of practice is needed to benefit from yoga. Just because you don’t have time doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t practise yoga. Studies showed that a 20-minute session can already boost your focus, memory, and cognitive function.

Yoga is for everyone, whether you’re considering it as a way of life or as a fitness regime. Don’t let the misconceptions keep you from joining a yoga class. Go for it and see how beneficial it can be for your mind and body.

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