Safety tips for cardio machines
In the world of cardio machines, you really do have a lot of work ahead of you. When wearing these things, you are expected to push your body and sweat a lot. However, all of your workouts are always secondary to your overall health. Improper use or incorrect selection of cardio machine can negatively affect your overall health and even harm you physically, if not immediately, then in the long run. So to help you out, here are some safety tips for using cardio machines.
tips for beginners
When you’re starting out, you should always ask a health care professional or provider if planned exercises are going to be healthy for you. You may have certain conditions that may be exacerbated by your planned training. It may be a good idea to do this before you even go out to select your cardio machine.
One tip when selecting your cardio machine is to try to take into account any existing conditions you may have. If you already spend all day sitting, a stationary bike may not be the best option. This can lead to posture or back problems due to prolonged sitting. If you have knee problems, a stair master or step mill may not be the machine for you, as it puts some stress on your knees.
Previous training
You should develop a pre-workout routine that should include stretching and warm-up exercises. These aren’t meant to make you sweat, just to help your muscles prepare for the strain they’ll be put through during your workout. Many injuries can be avoided with proper warm-ups.
Decelerate
You never want to go beyond your level. If you start to feel dizzy or out of breath, you are most likely pushing yourself beyond your limit. If you ever experience this, lower the settings on your cardio machine (if available). You should also see your healthcare provider to make sure you don’t have any exercise-related conditions.
If you’re a beginner, try starting with low-intensity 5-minute workouts. Keep timing yourself, and as you get more acclimated to the activities, start increasing the duration or intensity. You want to work up to around 10 minutes of moderate level workouts at a time. Your daily goal should be around a total of 30 minutes of training so you can do three 10-minute sessions on your cardio machine a day.
Also, don’t forget to read the safety manual for your cardio machine. Often people get so excited about a new machine that they use it right away without the information required to operate it safely and effectively. Not only will it negate your exercise goals, but it can also put you in danger.
Hydrate
Never forget to drink before, during and after. Water is one of the things your body will use when you exercise. Studies show that almost 75% of Americans do not drink adequate amounts of water. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
post-workout
Don’t forget to cool off after workouts. Stretch once more and try to get your body to gradually decrease the activity.