Hi Everyone!
Check out my latest Lakeshore Weekly article!
WORKOUT SMARTER, NOT LONGER
So you wake up, get the kids off to school, go to work, run errands, make dinner, do homework, go to hockey, get ready for bed. How in the world can you fit working out in this crazy schedule?
That is the question many people ask every day, and one of the main reasons why fitness is one of the first things to go by the wayside for busy people. Going to the gym for 2 hours round-trip just is not doable.
There is a new fitness trend that busy people are embracing that not only allows you to fit in fitness, but actually gives you better results and reduces injury. We call it working out smarter, not longer. In fact, our online workouts cater to these busy people and are not over 20 minutes each day.
But does this really work, or one of those “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” instances?
Interval Training is the biggest fitness trend, and even athletes on the pro level are adopting this technique. Interval Training utilizes short intervals at a high intensity rate, immediately followed by a low intensity exercise for a short interval, then back to high and so on. By alternating between these intensities, your body is able to process lactic acid build-up, therefore reducing fatigue. You are then able to burn calories and fat at a faster rate compared to less intense, longer aerobic exercises.
When Interval Training, you are using mostly muscle glycogen, the stored form of glucose. When you consistently train at high intensities using these systems, you increase your capacity to work harder, thereby more calories and fat at a faster rate.
This type of high interval training should be worked up to, but even beginners can modify to create their own intervals appropriate with their fitness level.
So what does a short Interval Training workout look like? If you are outside, you can create your own intervals using mailboxes as markers in your own neighborhood. Sprint to the first mailbox, then jog to the next and continue that pattern for 15-20 minutes. If you are beginner, alternate between jogging and walking. You will see that after this short amount of time, your heart rate will be up and fat burning…plus, it makes your walk or jog just more interesting!
If you are at home, here is a very basic Interval Training workout. Try Jogging in place for 45 seconds at a fast rate, then rest for 15 seconds. Go immediately into double bicep curls with weights for 45 seconds, followed by a 15 second rest. Do Jumping Jacks for 45 seconds with a 15 second rest and then finish with 45 seconds of push-ups with a 15 second rest. Repeat this 4 minute sequence 4 times for an amazing 16 minute workout requiring very little equipment or space.
For more info on Ali Holman and her Online CoreCamper Interval Training workouts, please visit www.corecamper.com.
Core/Conditioning Training has been named Best Personal Trainers by the MN Sun Newspaper's Reader's Choice Awards for the SECOND year! Thank you everyone!
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