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Amenities are one of the big reasons why many residents choose a Chicago, IL apartment over a rowhouse or similar abode — amenities like the 24-hour fitness center we have at River North Park. In our fitness center, residents enjoy open access to many great pieces of equipment big and small. One type of equipment you can use to get fit and toned is a medicine ball.
Medicine balls look like padded, heavier versions of your typical playground kickball, but they offer so much more in terms of exercise. With the right positioning and movement, you can really transform routine exercises into power ones. Just check out the following list of our favorite beginner medicine ball exercises:
3 Medicine Ball Exercises for Beginners
- Medicine Ball Lunge with Twist. For this exercise, you'll begin by standing with the medicine ball held close to your chest. Then, step forward in a lunge with your left foot and press the ball forward. Once in the lunge position, twist to the left for thirty seconds. Repeat with the right foot forward. For best effects, complete three sets with each leg.
- Medicine Ball Squats. Like the previous exercise, you'll begin in a standing position with the medicine ball close to your chest. Then, as you squat down, engage your core muscles and push the ball to the front in that extended position. Hold for thirty seconds, follow with a thirty-second rest, and aim to repeat for three positions.
- Medicine Ball Balance. Begin in the standing position with the medicine ball close to the chest in both hands. Then slowly bend your left knee and lift your foot from the ground while holding the ball above your head for thirty seconds. Then, still balancing on the right leg, move the ball to just your right hand and hold for another thirty seconds. Move it back to the center and hold with just your left hand for thirty seconds. Then slowly return to a standing position, rest for thirty seconds before repeating it on the opposite leg.
Read Up and Take Your Exercises Slow
Before starting any new exercise routine, it's always a good idea to do research, including watching videos to be sure you are using the correct form. And if you have other questions about using the exercise equipment room in the fitness center at our Chicago area apartments, don't hesitate to contact our front staff.
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With a well-equipped fitness center conveniently located amid our apartments in Chicago, there’s no excuse for not taking advantage of the benefits of a cardio workout. Using the following types of workout equipment can help one reduce their chances of heart disease, lower stress and promote weight loss.
Rowing Machines
Not only can rowing machines strengthen cardiovascular function, but they also help tone muscle and improve endurance. Those eyeing weight loss goals will appreciate how many calories rowing burns, and individuals with chronic pain conditions often choose this equipment because it places very little strain on the body. As a bonus, rowing machines are superior for building core strength and toning tummy muscles.
Air Bikes
When using an air bike, the resistance is created by the user. Hence the harder one pedals, the more the fan in the unit pushes back. This allows users to change resistance at specific paces, making it ideal for those who are focusing on high-intensity interval workouts. Those looking to tone up and build muscle in their arms will appreciate the moving handles that push and pull to give the upper body a good workout.
Elliptical Machines
Elliptical machines provide non-impact conditioning by allowing the body to perform running motions without putting strain on the joints. Most ellipticals today boast cross-training abilities and feature moving handles for upper body toning. Another feature of ellipticals that help maximize lower body workouts and cardio functioning is that they allow one to use a reverse stride. It’s also easy to adjust mid-workout, giving it maximum versatility.
Treadmills
Using a treadmill is one of the best ways to get the heart pumping, and today’s models offer an array of features that help promote weight loss and build muscles in the core and lower body. With options such as incline adjustment and variable settings that create life-like running courses and obstacles, each workout can be custom-tailored to suit specific fitness goals.
Explore Our Luxury Chicago Apartments at River North Park
With a state-of-the-art fitness center and other lavish amenities amid our community, we are highly regarded for offering premier apartments in Chicago, IL. Contact us today to schedule a tour at River Park North Apartments.
The post The Best Cardio Equipment to Get the Heart Pumping appeared first on River North Park Apartments Blog.
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