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Entry bubble Exercising with Gadgets, Gizmos, and Computerized Thingamajigs

By: Ginger | November 07, 2008 | Category: Health

Woman working out with a balance ballI am a firm believer in using gadgets and gizmos to assist me in my daily life, even when it comes to exercising. I have significantly helped the economy with my numerous purchases of exercising equipment and accessories. The government offers up these tips when buying exercising equipment.

Even with all of the exercising gadgets and gizmos, you still need to understand the fundamentals of physical fitness. According to A Guide to Physical Activity, most Americans don’t get enough exercise. If you are embarking on trying to start up a fitness routine, check out these websites for information and inspiration: Exercising for a Healthy Life, President’s Council on Physical Fitness, The President’s Challenge, MedlinePlus page on Exercise and Physical Fitness, and Healthy People 2010.

Collecting workout videos has become my hobby. For me, it’s similar to birdwatching. I currently have a library of 34 workout videos. From the common, curly-haired “Richards Simmons” to the elusive and colorful “Funk Jazzercise” workout, I have them all. From time to time, I use them, but usually they sit around collecting dust.

I own an elliptical machine. Do I use that? Well, sort of. It serves as a training device for my cat! I hang my bathrobe tie on the handle bar and the cat likes to climb up on the step to swat at it. If I could just get her to wear little boxing gloves and a mouth guard, I think she could be a contender. Perhaps she could even win some prize money, so I could buy more exercise equipment!

Recently I made the purchase of a Wii Fit program. It is software that works with my T.V. It comes with a balance board and activities that are supposed to get me moving. Before starting the training, it did a diagnostic on me to establish my fitness age. My fitness age is 58. I am actually 46, so imagine the horror of it! Looking on the bright side, I think I now qualify for senior citizen discounts. Am I using my Wii Fit? A little, but not as much as I thought I would.

No gadget or gizmo will help if it is just left sitting on the shelf and not being used. It still comes down to hard work and discipline, which is exactly what it takes if you are exercising without the aid of gadgets and gizmos.

What are your thoughts on exercising gadgets and equipment? Are they a waste of money or do they really work for you?

| View Comments [9] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: exercise   ginger   workout  

Comments (9):

blue comment bubble Posted by Arlene on November 07, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

I must say that I am not disciplined enough to do a work out at home. I also have some DVDs, videos, a balance ball, an elliptical machine - all collecting dust.

I do well if I make an appointment with a trainer, though. I feel like - someone is waiting for me, I better get there. I also think I do well in groups (i.e. yoga studios, step classes) - but it's so easy to fall off the wagon.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Platfuse on November 07, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

Working out with Gadgets is ofcourse fun. I have a very hectic schedule. So at least the gadget allures me to get on to it when ever i get time.

But workout in a group is always fun and encouraging.

Platfuse | interactive media design
www.platfuse.com

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blue comment bubble Posted by TribeFan on November 07, 2008 at 04:58 PM EST

How much you want to sell that elliptical machine for?

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blue comment bubble Posted by Terrie on November 09, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

Hi Ginger!

I use to purchase gym memberships to help get in shape. I would go faithfully for about two or three weeks, and then tire out from it. I since stopped doing that and saved myself a lot of money. Working out with gadgets at home seems to be a better route, but what I really prefer doing is walking. Never was much of a jogger. But walking is easy going, not as stressful, and still I have found myself shedding a few pounds for doing it. I can vary my routes and it is easier on my joints. If you walk faster, you can get a bit of a cardio workout as well. Have a nice day!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Ginger on November 10, 2008 at 06:58 AM EST

TribeFan, I would sell the elliptical, but then I would have a very angry well-trained boxing cat on my hands! I think I'd better hold on to it and try to make myself use it more... if the cat is willing to share it with me.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Ginger on November 10, 2008 at 07:00 AM EST

Terrie, I actually enjoy walking from time to time too. No expense involved, but the purchase of some good shoes. I think it is a good way to exercise.

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blue comment bubble Posted by wenying on November 11, 2008 at 10:31 PM EST

If you love life,you must try to do it!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Jacqueline on November 12, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

I agree with you on the use of gadgets!!! I found that the advice of my trainer on what gadgets to buy and purchasing those ones actually has helped me to not allow them to collect dust...

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blue comment bubble Posted by DrBB01 on November 14, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

I've tried all sorts of hi/lo tech motivators for exercise--none have worked over the long haul. However, I started using the Wii Fit and, while it hasn't made me a physical fitness nut, I use it three-four times a week for about 30 minutes, varying the types of activities I do. The automated record-keeping is great (I wouldn't do it on my own), and the weight/BMI scale incorporated helps me track my modest goals. I'm cautiously optimistic that while it doesn't provide the kind of workout I could get going to the gym, that in the long run I'll be better off because I'll keep to it longer.

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