Upper-Body Bonuses

Upper-Body Bonuses

In addition to using exercise bikes that allow for arm motion, you can use treadmills that offer ski-pole-type devices to add upper-body work to your exercise routine. Also,you can easily intensify the workout by pumping your arms as if you were power walking or running on the street or by using light hand weights. Specific treadmill accessories also are available for some brands. Precor’s Smart Weights, for example,are a combination of hand weights, and a remote-control device. Holding the one- or two-pound weights increases the aerobic benefit, and the weights also feature five small buttons so you can speed up, slow down, change the incline, or stop a Precor treadmill as you walk or run. ProForm equips one of its treadmills with an integrated unit that plays a special 30-minute CD featuring lively music and the encouraging words of a certified personal trainer who guides you through the workout. A PowerTread model has small built-in fans so you can stay cool during the workout.