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North Wales patients given gym workouts before major surgery

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North Wales patients given gym workouts before major surgery
BBC Patient using a rowing machine at the 'prehabilitation' gymBBC

“Prehab” is believed to help patients recover from surgery faster

Hospital patients are being offered intensive workout programmes to get them fit for major operations.

The “prehabilitation” service run by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has been used by more than 200 patients since it was set up a year ago following a successful pilot in 2019.

Patients attend three gym sessions a week in the month before undergoing surgeries, which alongside dietary advice is thought to help improve recovery times.

The gym was funded by Wrexham’s Shooting Star Cancer Support charity, and the health board said “prehab” had halved post-surgery complications and reduced hospital stays.

Patient Tracey Griffiths using a treadmill

Patient Tracey Griffiths says she was nervous about attending

Tracey Griffiths, in her second week of prehab ahead of major surgery to treat her endometrial cancer, said her initial fears about hitting the treadmill were put to rest by staff.

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“I was very nervous because I’ve not been to a gym and I was thinking: ‘Oh, God’ as I’m a larger lady,” said Ms Griffiths, from Brymbo, Wrexham.

“But they make you feel welcome, they’re brilliant.”

She said she wants to improve her physical and emotional resilience, adding: “I’m hoping that it’ll build strength and help me mentally because I was very anxious about the surgery.”

Prehab is designed for those with additional risk factors. Patients leave hospital two-and-a-half days earlier on average and readmissions are also decreased.

Staff member teaching Tai Chi

Tai Chi is one of the skills being taught in the workout classes
Dr Neil Agnew in a gym smiling at the camera

Dr Neil Agnew describes major surgery as the equivalent of running a marathon

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Neil Agnew said people often do not appreciate how much of a toll surgery can take.

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“Major surgery has been linked to things like running a marathon,” he said.

“We do high-intensity exercise. We look at their nutrition and diet to get that optimised as well.

“Psychology is also really important. These patients have had a cancer diagnosis so they’ve got to come to terms with that, but also get themselves ready for this big operation.”

Jeremy Norton, wearing T-shirt and casual top, smiling at the camera

Jeremy Norton, who had a bowel cancer diagnosis, says the service gave him back control

Jeremy Norton, 63, who has been through the whole process is still using tips he learned in prehab even post-surgery.

Mr Norton, from Broughton, Flintshire, said his bowel cancer diagnosis last December came as a shock.

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“It was a time when my life went upside down, really. It was a time of great uncertainty, everything else was out of control, I just thought this was something that I could control, something I could do for myself to get me stronger.”

He found it helpful to be exercising alongside others going through their own health issues and that his recovery was much faster as a result.

“I was out of the hospital in five days which I didn’t expect,” he said.

“In on the Thursday, out on the Monday and back at work in four weeks.

“So I put that down to prehab – the strength it gave me was part of that recovery process.”

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Best Exercise Bike Brands in India

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Best Exercise Bike Brands in India

FIRST CHOICE is known for its ergonomic and versatile fitness equipment that caters to diverse workout needs.

The FC-110 BST Air Bike offers a full-body workout with smooth, user-controlled air resistance, along with the added benefit of back support and a twister.

Key Features

  • Brand: FIRST CHOICE

  • Bike Type: Air Bike

  • Resistance Type: Air, 7-Level Resistance

  • Display Type: LCD

  • Tracking Metre: Speed, Distance, Time, Calories Burned

  • Flywheel Weight: Not Specified

  • Maximum Weight: 100 Kgs

  • Maximum Height: Not Specified

  • Power Source: Non-Electric

Pros

  • Provides a full-body workout with moving handles and back support.

  • Air resistance offers a smooth, customisable workout experience.

  • Ergonomically designed seats and handlebars ensure comfort during exercise.

  • Adjustable resistance knob allows for easy workout intensity changes.

  • Compact size with back support and twister for added benefits.

Cons

  • Air resistance might be less predictable than magnetic systems.

  • The non-electric operation could limit advanced tracking features.

  • Resistance levels may not be as precise as those on magnetic bikes.

Insights from Our Product Testing Specialist

This air bike is excellent for users aiming for an intense cardio workout that engages the upper body, making it effective for weight loss and toning. Including a twister and adjustable resistance makes it a versatile tool that enhances the workout experience by targeting multiple muscle groups while providing comfort and support.

You should buy this product if you are looking for:

  • A bike that offers a comprehensive workout with both upper and lower body engagement.

  • An exercise machine with customisable resistance for varied workout intensities.

  • A compact bike with additional features like back support and a twister for enhanced results.

User testimonials 

“It’s a perfect solution for anyone looking to improve their flexibility, balance, and core strength while enjoying the benefits of cycling. Highly recommended!”

Product Box Comes With

  • 1 Air Bike

  • Adjustable Seat with Back Support

  • Twister for Belly Fat Reduction

  • Belt Drive System

  • Ergonomically Designed Pedals

  • Resistance Knob

How do we shortlist the best products?

To check the complete process, please refer to –

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide will help you find the ideal exercise bike. Which of the ones we mentioned caught your eye? 

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We’ve done our best to research and provide accurate information, but it’s always good to double-check the ingredients and ensure they are safe for you.

FAQs:

1. How does a spin bike differ from a traditional stationary bike?

Spin bikes offer a more intense, high-resistance workout with a heavier flywheel, mimicking road cycling, while traditional stationary bikes provide a lighter, more controlled ride.

2. Are exercise bikes good for weight loss?

Yes, exercise bikes are effective for weight loss, offering calorie-burning cardio workouts that also improve endurance and muscle tone.

3. Are there any exercise bike brands that offer smart features like app connectivity?

Yes, several brands offer models with smart features, including app connectivity for tracking progress and joining virtual classes.

4. What are the best exercise bike brands for tall or heavy users?

Brands like Reach, Lifelong, Powermax, etc., are known for producing sturdy bikes with adjustable features that cater to taller or heavier users.

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5. How do folding exercise bikes compare to regular models, and which brands are top-rated?

Folding bikes are compact and space-saving, ideal for small homes, but may offer fewer features.

To contact the Express Deals team, please drop an email to – expressdeal@newindianexpress.com
We will reach out to you in the next 48 business hours.

Disclaimer: At Express Deals, we work with subject matter experts to bring you the latest in product innovations and Indian eCommerce trends. Express Deals participates in various affiliate programs, which means we may earn revenue on purchases made through the links to retailer sites. Please note that prices mentioned on the pages can vary based on retailer promotions on any given day. Also, do note that we will not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the featured products since they aren’t directly sold by us.

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Malaika Arora's Minimalistic Workout Routine In The Morning Looks Like This…

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Malaika Arora's Minimalistic Workout Routine In The Morning Looks Like This…
By staying physically active, Malaika is able to prioritise her overall well-being. (Photo: Instagram/@malaikaaroraofficial)

The actor and model loves working out in the morning and never misses a session. She has truly been setting fitness goals at the age of 50!

Malaika Arora fitness routine: It is no secret that Malaika Arora is one of the fittest celebrities out there, who works out on a regular basis to stay in top shape and defy her age. The 50-year-old’s go-to exercise routine has usually been yoga and Pilates, and she never misses a day to work out. From flitting in and out of her yoga studio to finding the means to exercise at home, Malaika does it all, and is able to prioritise her overall well-being, including her hair and skin. Recently, her trainer Jahnavi Patwardhan posted a video, in which the mother-of-one was seen doing some unique exercises in the morning with very little equipment. She employed all of her muscles, but mostly relied on her legs to strengthen and tone them. Take a look.

The caption accompanying the video read, “Best mornings, with the best moves.”

In the video, the actor and model was seen running lightly inside her workout studio, with an elastic resistance band attached to both her legs. The band was placed slightly above her knees and it restricted her movement. Adorably, she was accompanied by her pet pupper, Casper, who watched her keenly.

Malaika also managed to work out with dumbbells, while having the band firmly around her thigh muscles. During one exercise, she squatted before pushing one leg backwards and then bringing it in place. In the next exercise, she squatted and bent real low with a dumbbell only to stretch her body and flatten her chest by standing on her toes and raising her arms that held the dumbbell.

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In another instance, she had the resistance band around her ankles as she stretched one leg sideways, repeatedly, and raised her arms over her head. She set real fitness goals.

Working Out With Resistance Band

Working out with a resistance band attached to both legs can provide several benefits, including:

  • Improved strength: It targets multiple leg muscles, such as quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, and builds strength and endurance.
  • Increased flexibility: It can improve range of motion and flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles.
  • Stability and balance: It engages core muscles and improves balance and stability.
  • Low-impact: It is gentle on the joints, making it an excellent option for those with joint issues or chronic pain.
  • Portability and convenience: Resistance bands are lightweight, easy to use, and can be carried anywhere.
  • Improved muscle use: It engages smaller muscles and improves overall muscle use and coordination.

Some effective exercises to try with a resistance band include: banded squats, banded lunges, banded leg press, banded side steps, banded glute bridges, etc. Keep in mind that if you are a beginner, you must start with lighter resistance levels and gradually increase as you build strength and comfort with these kinds of exercises.



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An extra boost to exercise: Long-term and special fitness programs at Ohio State

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An extra boost to exercise: Long-term and special fitness programs at Ohio State

Former Ohio State lead personal trainer Blake Holthaus demonstrates how to do a lift during a fitness special program session. Credit: The Ohio State University Office of Student Life, Department of Recreational Sports

Ohio State’s group fitness classes offer students numerous ways to exercise, but the university’s long-term and special fitness programs each allow participants to stick with and improve their skills in specific fitness domains.

Registration for both instructional programs opens right before the start of each semester, and autumn registration is open now on the Ohio State Recreational Sports website. Every program lasts for four to eight weeks during their respective semesters, said Mitch Miceli, the personal training coordinator for Ohio State Recreational Sports. 

When it comes to special programs, the current lineup of free autumn classes includes Party on the Plaza — an outdoor dance party Aug. 28 from 8-9:30 p.m. on the Recreational and Physical Activity Center’s, also known as RPAC, Larkins Plaza — Restore and Recover Yoga — an outdoor yoga session hosted on the lawn outside of the North Recreation Center Sept. 17 from 7:15-8:15 p.m. — and Road to Game Day — an outdoor cycle event Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the RPAC’s Northwest Plaza. 

In terms of long-term programs, this semester’s fitness opportunity is Progressive Overload Training, a four-week program offered in two sessions that focuses on systematically increasing weight, reps and intensity over time, according to the university’s website.

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The first session will take place from Sept. 9 to Oct. 4 on Mondays 12:45-1:45 p.m. and Fridays 10-11 a.m., and the second session will take place from Oct. 14 to Nov. 8 on Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m. and Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Registration for both sessions is open now on the university’s website and costs $20 a person. 

Miceli said one of the past long-term programs offered was Bodybuilding Foundations – Lift and Learn, which was created with help from Blake Holthaus, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science in May 2024 and is now an Ohio State first-year medical student.  

“Saying that you want to go to the gym is super easy but having an appointment with someone else — that makes it way easier,” Holthaus, also a former lead personal trainer at Ohio State, said.  

The long-term programs are instructed in a “small-group setting” ranging from six to eight participants and take place once a week for roughly an hour at the RPAC, Miceli said. 

In addition to the motivational element, Miceli said the long-term programs can also lead to an increased sense of community and confidence surrounding exercise.  

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“It definitely correlates to building that community piece, and building maybe friendships or someone to work out with on the fitness floor because when you’re with someone, that social support goes a long way,” Miceli said. “So, I think it does help with the confidence.” 

Aside from the mental benefits of working out, Miceli said participants can expect to become more skilled in the particular areas their long-term program focuses on.  

“[In] Bodybuilding Foundations, for example, participants learn fundamental lifts and how to do different exercises, but they’re gonna be learning how to do those exercises to be geared more [toward] building muscle mass,” Miceli said. “That’s the skill they’re learning for that one.” 

For Bodybuilding Foundations, Holthaus said he and another lead personal trainer — Brady Kolb, who graduated in May 2024 with a degree in construction systems management — “re-invented” the program to give participants the best possible experience. 

“We wanted the Bodybuilding Foundations not to only teach the three basic lifts of squat, bench and deadlift,” Holthaus said. “We want the people that come to these small groups to have felt like they have done a workout.” 

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Miceli said other popular long-term programs have included Progressive Overload Training — a “basic” program that teaches entry-level compound lifts like bench pressing, squatting and deadlifting — and Buckeye Barbells, which is for women only and instructed by a woman. 

“They’re learning all the different lifts,” Miceli said. “They’re also learning how to create exercise program plans, but it’s more of a female-empowerment class where they’re learning the skills with a female-only cohort.”

Holthaus said the programs are open to Ohio State students, faculty, community members and anyone else with an Ohio State recreational sports membership. 

“We really take on anyone that wants to better themselves and come and commit to a healthier lifestyle,” Holthaus said. 

Miceli said each program costs $20 a person, except Buckeye Barbells, which is $25 a person. 

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To learn more about the programs offered this semester and to sign up, visit the Recreational Sports website

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