Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

One of my odder habits (or compulsions, depending on your perspective) is reading the newspaper and magazines in front of the television. I tend to get antsy just sitting there without something else to do in addition to watching TV. So I subscribe to a lot of magazines, including Fitness, Shape, Self and Runner’s World. But, somewhat strangely, Newsweek is rapidly rising in my ranks as far as interesting fitness articles.

Last month, a Newsweek web exclusive covered “Seven Silly Fitness Fads.” The list included:

• Weighted hula hooping
• Strippercise
• The Bodyblade
• Aerial aerobics (a la Cirque du Soleil)
• Wind-relieving yoga poses (yes, it’s that kind of “wind”)
• Wii Fit Ski-Jump
• Dorm room workouts

Which of the fads held up to scrutiny?

According to the article, hula hooping can work your core and get the cardio system going, but beginners should avoid weighted hoops for fear of injury. The ski-jump apparently might provide some “lower body” toning. And the 20-minute “dorm room” workouts (presumably adaptable to other venues) might pay off if done in conjunction with cardio, weight training and proper diet. Personally, none of those entered into my college experience—let alone working out in my dorm room!—but better late than never.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 7:59 am and is filed under General Fitness, Products and Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.