Types of exercises

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Types of exercises

The list below is just a sampling of the many options for exercising. Scan it for ideas about what you might like to try. This list is just a starting point, especially regarding exercise machines and accessories. There are many more than what is listed here. It's likely that there are at least a couple of exercises that you would find interesting and that meet your needs. Also included are household activities that can contribute to your fitness. Ask friends and family for suggestions on what exercises they like best.

Aerobic exercises -- outdoors

Basketball
Cycling
Cross-country skiing
Handball
Hiking
Hockey
Racquetball
Rollerblading
Running (jogging)
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Walking (brisk)

Aerobic exercises -- indoors

Cross country ski machine
Dance exercise (aerobics) with stepping board, videotape
Elliptical machine
Jumping rope
Punching bag (boxing)
Rowing machine
Stair climber
Stationary Bicycle
Treadmill

Household activities

Carrying small children
Cleaning house
Mopping
Grocery shopping
Weeding the garden
Mowing the lawn
Raking leaves

Flexibility training

Exercise balls
Stretching
Tai chi
Yoga

Exercise for strengthening and toning muscles

Abdominal bench
Back machine
Bench press for chest (barbell free weights)
Chin-ups (need pull-up bar) for back and triceps
Curls for biceps (dumbbells free weights)
Leg raise machine
Leg press
Pull-ups
Push-ups
Sit-ups
Squats (with free weights)

Review Date: 3/12/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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