Cardio Workouts in the Gym Can Work, BUT You Have to Know How

Cardio workouts in the gym can work, but you have to know how to in order to get the most benefit.

You must make sure you focus more on your routine and not watching the TV they provide or read a magazine or book. How can you work up a true sweat like that?

Maximize your workout and work hard to make good use of your time and energy. That TV or entertaining book will just slow you down.

It also depends on what type of routine you are doing.

Exercise classes can challenge you to do exercises that you might not ordinarily do and can have a lot of cardio involved with the right instructor. You should choose a class that has great upbeat music, an energetic instructor and people who look like they’re having fun while sweating. It’ll probably be packed as well.

SLOW AND STEADY IS NOT REALLY CARDIO CHALLENGING

Slow and steady workouts on the treadmill, elliptical, etc can be relaxing, but do you really get a workout? How much challenge do you feel? Are you keeping your muscles guessing?

You really need variety and challenge to get your heart pumping. Typically your muscles get used to a routine within 4-6 weeks. Add something new to challenge you.

It’s just like doing the same tasks everyday at your job. Most people will get bored. Some people start to look for a new job or another position at the company or outside the office. YOUR MUSCLES ARE LOOKING FOR some new work. So doing cardio workouts in the gym can work, but you need to do more.

WELL WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

There are all kinds of machines at the gym. They each have different levels. of challeng. IF you don’t want to change the difficulty level, then speed up. Go at a much higher speed for 5 or 10 minutes, and then slow down to catch your breath, and then speed up again for as long as you can handle it. You can work out the same amount of time you usually work out, but if you do this, your body will feel it and say ‘That was fun! I want to do it again tomorrow!’ Then add on time for a variance.

Spin classes can help you figure out how to approach it. They say a 30 minute spin class can work you harder than a 45 – 60 minute work out on the regular bike. Save time, but burn lots of energy (and calories).

WORKING OUT WITH WEIGHTS CAN BE A POWERFUL CARDIO WORKOUT

You should add working out with free weights. Once you get used to doing a series of exercises, either add more weight and repetitions. Instead of 3-5 sets of 10-15 repetitions, do 2 or 3 sets of 30 repetitions with only 30 seconds or a minute break in between. It’s the same amount of work, but different. Quickly move on to the next exercise. Some people add in doing the weights until you can’t safely do any more. Use a spotter if you do this.

Squats and lunges work out your heart and the rest of the body. Three to five sets of 20 or 30 each for lunges and squats will get you working hard.

REMEMBER, IF YOU CAN READ OR WATCH TV, THEN…

You’re not working out hard enough if you can focus on reading or watching TV. That is not much of a cardio workout. Focus more on your workout for the most benefit. You’ll be glad you did. You will see better results with your body.

EVEN BETTER

Go outside to enjoy people and the weather. Mountains are beautiful and are meant to be enjoyed. Hike and fill your senses. You’ll quickly know if you’re not fit, because you’ll have to work really hard and will be quite sore the next few days. The beach is great for exercise. Enjoy swimming in the lake or bicycling or walking around it. Playing backyard football or a friendly game of basketball are always fun. You don’t have to make the baskets to be successful.

Laugh for your health and mood. It actually works out your stomach muscles if you laugh hard enough.

FINALLY...

Cardio workouts in the gym can work, but you have to know how. It’s certainly more fun to add in lots of outside activities to your routine. And workout partners will help you out too.

Be Healthy,
Renee’

P.S. Please check with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise plan.