Ask Joe Weider

Tip of the Week: Park far, and reap the rewards!

How many reading this have gone to a shopping center and sat in your car for untold minutes looking for a parking spot close to the entrance? Then, once you have the spot, you'll go into the mall and ... walk. For some reason, many of us have it in our heads that grabbing a spot close to the entrance, of anything, is a significant achievement. Not so.

I have a friend who actually finds the farthest spot in the lot from the entrance, just so he can get in some extra walking time! When you think about it, at most we're talking about a five-minute walk — and that's if it's a really big parking lot. In the scheme of things, an additional 10 minutes a day of walking (there and back) hardly even constitutes exercise, but it's better than nothing.

Worse still, are those who wait for close spots at the gym. Then, once inside, they walk on a treadmill for a half hour! The message here is that you should consider how you can incorporate a fitness lifestyle into your everyday activities. Suddenly, exercise isn't work — it's life!

Q: What are your thoughts on running on the street or on a track, as opposed to running on a treadmill? Is there a difference in the number of calories you burn, in the impact on your knees ... on anything?

Joe: Lots of studies have been done comparing track running to treadmill running, and the conclusion is that you expend over 30 percent more oxygen running off a treadmill as you do on one.

Of course, a number of differences exist that could have an effect on your enjoyment of one over the other, and that is a factor that will determine how frequently you run. In the end, this may be the most critical piece of information in the equation.

My take on it is that running outdoors gives you the advantage of breathing fresh air and getting some sun. In addition, I've found that treadmill running doesn't work the hamstrings as well as does conventional running. What you can do to compensate for this, though, is set the track on a small incline — maybe 5 percent or so.

This will not only bring the hamstrings back into play, but also increase your oxygen usage.

Whatever option you choose, make sure you stay consistent, and the best way to do that is by doing something that you enjoy rather than something you don't, but believe is more efficient.

Q: I'm a 48-year-old woman who has recently (3 months ago) joined a gym. I resisted the pressure to take on a personal trainer due to the cost. I think I've been doing fine, using weights and cables and machines, but I often see trainers doing all sorts of things with their clients that include special bands and partner-assisted exercises. Am I missing out by not having a trainer?

Joe: I wouldn't say you're missing out. You have to understand, these trainers get paid a good sum of money, and so they need to convince their clients that they're worth it. This isn't to imply that they aren't, but employing exotic exercises can't hurt.

Don't get me wrong — bands and balls and partner-assisted exercises all have their place in the pantheon of exercises, and there are many excellent personal trainers who do a wonderful job of helping educate, motivate and empower their clients.

I do believe, however, that by adding a great variety of complex exercises, which usually involve interaction with a partner, trainers make themselves indispensable, meaning less likely to lose a client. Think about it: If a trainer puts a client through the same simple workouts week after week, month after month, more than a few will decide to save their money and go it alone. Complicated, ever-changing workouts not only keep a trainee interested but also lessen the chance they will leave their trainers.

So, while a personal trainer can be an invaluable companion on your road to fitness, I believe that you can also go it alone with just the equipment accessible to you for the price of your gym membership.

Joe Weider is acclaimed as "the father of modern bodybuilding" and the founder of the world's leading fitness magazines, including Shape, Muscle and Fitness, Men's Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Hers, Golf for Seniors and others published worldwide in over 20 languages.To find out more about Joe Weider, write to him and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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