Workouts

You might be surprised to hear treadmills weren’t originally designed for user health or enjoyment. For centuries, they extracted labour and inflicted punishment. Learn how the treadmill very recently became a fitness-focused machine.   

Recently I have been writing a series of “How to use X” blogs where I break down how to use various pieces of equipment from free weights to the treadmill to the Bosu to the kettlebell. I know what you are thinking: “Are there exercises that I should always do, regardless of the piece of equipment I am using?” Excellent question! The answer is, “Yeppers peppers. 100%!" There are 4 types of exercises that I consider non-negotiables: squats, balance exercises, multi-directional motions, and intervals.

So far in this “How to use X” series I have covered everything from cardio staples, such as the bike and the treadmill, to strength staples, such as dumbbells. Today … the kettlebell!

Don’t be fooled by the Bosu’s bright blue squishy dome-like exterior; it is not a children’s bouncy toy or a ginormous whoopee cushion! The Bosu is a multi-faceted, medium-sized piece of exercise equipment; incorporate it into your cardio warm-up, use it to spice up traditional weight exercises such as squats or lunges, or use it to breathe new life into your core routine.

So far in my “How to use X” series I have tackled everything from how to use the treadmill to how to use cables. I have — until now — shied away from a column on the “all-in-one gym.” Why?