Steady Progression
Let’s talk about you and your workout routine. Does this sound like you?
Cardio time is your opportunity to catch up on the latest edition of People Magazine or you’re craning your neck to watch the ladies on the View. No matter what exercise you’re doing or piece of equipment you’re on you’ve got to pay attention. Music does enhance the workout. It helps set the pace and it takes peps things up a bit. However if you’re too engrossed and not being mindful you’re being careless. Put your mind on your workout. Feel what’s going on in your body and be alert.
Speed, what speed? You’re stuck at 2.5 mph and still holding on to the rails. You’re also still lifting the “ooh baby don’t hurt yourself weights”, you know the cute little pink ones. Pick up the pace and pick up some real weights if you want to change your body.
When was the last time you broke a sweat when you worked out? Oh, I forgot you can’t mess up your hair. You don’t have to sweat buckets but sweating is a cooling method. And if you don’t need cooling, you’re not creating heat. Which means you’re not burning any fat.
Now I don’t expect you to raise your hand and admit to any of the above. But you’re going to have to kick things up a notch to strengthen your cardiovascular system and change your body. Nothing earth shattering I promise. Try a little high intensity interval training. This can be done on the treadmill, bike or elliptical. Most machines have built in programs, try a couple. They automatically change the intensity for you. Example, on the treadmill you’re walking at no incline for a minute, then on a 3% incline for 2 minutes. Repeating that cycle for about 30 minutes. Same principle applies to the other machines. Naturally you’ll have a warm up and cool down where the intensity doesn’t change.
If you’re not happy with the results you’ve been getting, change what you’re doing. Then change it again in about 6 weeks. The changes I’m suggested aren’t meant to leave you breathless and flat on your back, but at least try and break a sweat. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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