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Who will hate it
We have a theory about why the VersaClimber isn’t more popular: People
don’t like to be up high with their butts on display for the rest of the world.
Some gyms put their VersaClimber off in a corner where exercisers tend to
forget about it. That’s a shame because the VersaClimber is a great piece of
equipment. Vanity aside, there are some good reasons to avoid it, like if you
have a bad back or poor circulation in your feet.

VersaClimber user tips
Don’t be scared off by this admittedly scary-looking contraption. The
VersaClimber is not as tough to operate as you think. Here’s how to look
like a pro:

Always warm up with small, quick strides for three to five minutes.
Then experiment with different speeds, stride lengths, and tension
levels. If you get tired, you can eliminate the arm movement by holding
onto the handrails, or eliminate the leg movements by sitting on the
seat, if there is one.

Practice good climbing posture.Keep your back straight and keep your
torso parallel to the machine. Don’t round your back or lean back away
from the machine. Even if you take long strides, don’t stretch out your
body so far that your foot hits the floor, your knees and elbows lock, or
you’re forced to overarch your back.
Don’t get fixated on the mileage.A vertical mile is not the same as a
mile on the treadmill or the road. A mile may still be 5,280 feet (1,609
meters), but we’re talking straight uphill.

Rowing machines ..............................................................................


Good rowers consist of a flywheel, a fan, and a cable with a handle attached
to one end (see Figure 9-6). You pull the handle toward you as you slide the
seat backward. The fan creates air resistance, which makes the movement
feel pretty close to skimming across the water.

Who will like it
Anyone looking for a great total-body workout will love rowing. If you’re
trying to get in shape for a rowing or paddling sport, this is the way to go.
Contrary to popular belief, rowing isn’t bad for your back. If you row correctly,
you initiate the movement from your legs and buttocks, which eliminates
excess stress on your back muscles.

144 Part III: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

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