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)

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