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Workout Tips for the Tall Goguma

Using gym equipment is annoying for me because I have to adjust, adjust, and adjust again. Most machines can accommodate people up to 6'4", but majority of those going to the gym aren't that tall. Attending cardio or HIIT classes is also a struggle, because some of the movements don't accommodate for the fact my legs make up 2/3 of my body. Yes, full body push ups really are harder for taller people. I'm not a fan of burpees either, or anything that requires going all the way to the ground and standing at full height in a matter of seconds.


My preferred method of exercise at the gym are core-strengthening movements using free weights like dumb bells, kettle bells, and leg weights. The great thing about leg weights is you pop those suckers on at the beginning and forget about them. I feel like superman when I take them off at the end of my workout and walking feels easier than breathing. One word of caution though, longer limbs mean that piling on the weights doesn't necessarily mean more efficient workouts. So take it easy, start off light and work your way up. If all else fails - squats and bridges. Squats target every muscle group and bridges open up the quads, hip flexors and chest.

Standing exercises are great for tall torsos so I'm a big fan of barre classes to obtain that long and lean look, and plump up my backside. However, most ballet bars fall a bit short. But you don't have to have an actual wooden or metal bar to do barre exercises. Instead you can use a high chair (like bar level dining chairs) or a weighted bar to help maintain balance during arabesque or attitude movements. The rest focuses on targeted areas using push ups, planks, and free weights. If you feel tightness in your hamstrings or lower back while doing barre or Pilates, a bench or yoga block works wonders to improve one's tall posture.


Be sure to challenge yourself by stepping it up - literally. Don't stick to the 2-step platforms like everyone else. Challenge yourself to do 3 or 4 steps, depending on if there are jumps involved in your exercise routine of the day. There's a reason why tall people can take two stairs at a time with ease. This also means that leg-focused exercises like lunges, leg lifts, squats, raises will have a more visible impact on longer limbs.


Hopefully some of these tips were helpful. If you have any others, please share them in the comments below.

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