04/26/2011
General Exercise
If a fitness fad sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Fad exercise techniques that offer a svelte physique by strapping on a plastic gizmo with little to no effort, will likely end in disappointment.

FITNESS FADS vs. FITNESS BASICS

If a fitness fad sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Fad exercise techniques that offer a svelte physique by strapping on a plastic gizmo with little to no effort, will likely end in disappointment. The experts at Life Fitness offer the below tips on trusting the tried-and-true basic exercises that produce real, lasting results.

Abs. It would be great to believe that there are quick fixes for six-pack abs, but you can’t achieve a toned mid-section without good old-fashioned hard work. The best way to tone up your abs is not fancy equipment, but core body exercises, cardio and clean eating. Do 30 minutes of daily cardio to burn overall body fat, and avoid processed foods, which are high in calories and can cause water retention and bloating. Effective basic core exercises include bicycle crunches, exercise ball crunches and vertical leg crunches.

Thighs. The thighs are another body part that infomercials have made legendary. For actual toned thighs, lunges and squats are mainstays in any basic fitness routine. Include weights for balance and an increased challenge. Legs curls, extensions and calf raises are all basic exercises that will sculpt your legs effectively, with no promises left unfulfilled.

Resist the urge to order the quick fitness fixes because consistency and hard work will give you the results you desire. Remember, the basics have lasted this long because they work.

Fit Tips are provided by Life Fitness, the leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality exercise equipment for fitness facilities and homes worldwide. For more information on Fit Tips and other fitness advice and expertise visit www.lifefitness.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lifefitness or join our Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/lifefitness.

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