Oklahoma fitness and health briefs

Similar activities can help you achieve your fitness goals. Suspension training involves an apparatus made of nylon straps and handles. Attach it to a secure anchor point, and you can use your body weight as resistance to build power, strength, core stability, flexibility and balance.

Life Fitness, a manufacturer of gym quality exercise equipment, is among a variety of companies offering versions of the suspension apparatus. In a news release, the manufacturer highlighted these reasons why suspension training may work for you.

It works indoors and out. You can take it to the park, the beach or your backyard. Throw it over a sturdy tree branch, a chain-link fence, goal posts or monkey bars.

Getting started is easy. The anchor point should be 7 to 9 feet off the ground. By adjusting the lengths of the straps and the angle of your body, you can find a resistance level that feels right to you. Look for an area about 6 to 8 feet wide with a nonslip surface.

Suspension makes for a fast and effective workout for all fitness levels. Start slowly. Build up to more intense exercises over time. Most exercises involve pushing, pulling, legs and core. You work in multiple planes and exercise multiple muscle groups.

To view videos about suspension training or learn more about Life Fitness, go online to http://tinyurl.com/7s62w65.

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