Fitness enthusiasts are always looking for new ways to add variety to their exercise routines. In the past, this involved taking group exercise classes or purchasing fitness books or DVDs. The advent of online video and fitness animation has changed the way people look for new workouts. The following websites were designed by people who are experts in the fitness industry. These free workouts adhere to principles of safety, efficiency and effectiveness. They do not require you to register or to download potentially dangerous programs.
Weight-Training: ExRx
ExRx is the most comprehensive and informative weight-training website in cyberspace. The website was developed in 1996 as a master's thesis for Kansas State University. The thesis was titled "An Interactive Multimedia Computer Database of 250 Weight Training Exercises." Student James Griffing developed the prototype for the database. A grant enabled him to put it on the Internet as an act of philanthropy to the fitness community. This well-organized site features hundreds of animated strength-training exercises for every muscle. Options are presented for machines, dumbbells, cables and barbells. The website includes a section on sets, repetition and program design.
ACE Total Body Workouts
The American Council on Exercise, also known as ACE, is the fitness industry's research and certifying body. Its website offers a variety of animated exercise routines, which include a warm-up, a workout and a cool-down. A core workout, a stability ball routine, an upper body program and an equipment-free workout are among the many routines featured on the website. The ACE site also has an exercise library.
Polestar Pilates Mat and Equipment Podcasts
While the subtleties of Pilates require it to be performed under the watchful eye of a certified instructor, seasoned practitioners might be looking for ways to add variety to their routines. Polestar is one of the major Pilates certifying organizations. They have added a Pilates podcast website, which offers exercises on the mat and the reformer. Much of the site is designed for instructors, but there is also a section for enthusiasts. You can either download the videos or watch them on YouTube or Vimeo.
Pilates With Props
Katherine and Kimberly Corp are former Rockettes. They now teach at Pilates On Fifth, their New York City studio. These dynamic twin sisters offer a highly creative series of Pilates-evolved exercises, which can be performed on the stability ball, the bosu, which is a dome-shaped, half ball, resistance bands and other forms of balance equipment. You need not be a Pilates enthusiast to enjoy these routines. In fact, the balance requirements of these workouts are perfect for sport conditioning.
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