Exercise Equipment DOs and DON'Ts
by Vicki R. Pierson
ACE Certified Personal Trainer

STAIR-CLIMBER
Do keep a straight back with your head up and shoulders back.
Don’t lean or crouch forward.
Do rest lightly rest your hands on the top of the rails. For a more advance workout, pump your arms and hands as though you’re actually walking up stairs.
Don’t grasp the railing and use it to hold yourself up.

STATIONARY BIKE
Do adjust the seat so your knees are slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point.
Don’t round your back and hunch your shoulders forward.
Do hold the handle bar grips comfortably without clenching them.

TREADMILL
Do step heel-to-toe, good posture, with your arms slightly bent swinging naturally at your sides.
Don’t hold onto the handrails unless you need them for balance and are moving slowly.
Do take long, full strides.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI MACHINE
Do position the stomach pad just slightly below your belly button.
Don’t let your feet slide forward beyond the stomach pad.
Do lean slightly forward using your whole torso while resisting against the stomach pad.
Don't bend forward at the waist over the stomach pad.
Do lift your heel as you push backwards off your foot.

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