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OK, OK I hear you loud and clear ... some people simply insist on running long distances, even though I seriously don't understand why anyone would want to do just that.
I should haste to add: unless you're an athlete who need that type of competitive cardiovascular conditioning.
For general fitness conditioning and/or weight loss, there are better ways as we have previously discussed in HIT and HIIT training.
Getting the most out of it
If you are one of those that simply have to run (there are all kinds, I know), or if you enjoy wasting time and simply can't be convinced that you don't have to - then at least make it your mission to be a better runner.
Runnerblog.com has a great article explaining the importance of trying to avoid excessive heel strikes.
They also discuss how the best runners use the stride to their advantage, how to minimize injuries and discomfort, running barefoot, proper running shoes (with less heel damping), and more.
So, if you're one of these 'gotta run' folks, the above article is well worth a read!
Me, I like my workouts shorter and more effective. Do I never run? Only if I have to catch a bus or something; or, I do the occasional interval runs (although I prefer other varieties of HIIT training).
You have probably heard the old saying "The hunter who chases two rabbits catches neither one."? It basically indicates that when we try to accomplish too much at the same time, we are likely going to fail.
In the fitness industry today, you are seeing a trend of trying to put everything and the kitchen sink into an ever expanding array of classes and fitness products.
While trying to compete with the other fitness centers and staying ahead of the "trends", there seems to be no end to "Total Cardio Body Combat Bootcamp Yoga Boxing" classes, or the latest mix of trying to cram weird combinations into one workout and giving it a fancy name.
You can also see a lot of folks trying to run with hand weights or ankle weights in a feeble attempt to try and combine strength an cardio and doing their workout more "effective".
I'm quite positive you've seen that person at your local gym who has a does a couple of dumbbell curls in between the sessions on the stairmaster...
In other words, they are trying to chase two rabbits, or killing two birds with one stone.
Pressed on time
We have discussed previously how hard pressed a lot of people are as far as their available time goes.
It is my belief that this "squeeze everything into one exercise" craze has to do with this perception of available time ... or it may be a lack of basic knowledge.
It may also be that some find their workouts long-winded and boring, and that they want to stuff some more "exciting" things into it in an attempt to stay motivated.
However, as we have seen, you really don't need a lot of time to have your workouts done if you follow the HIT or HIIT principles within the 7MinuteWorkout program, In fact, you can do it all in less time than most people think possible!
Not only that, these workouts are so short, sweet and effective, that you really don't have the time to get bored.
Ruining your workouts?
What is perhaps the greatest problem though is that you tend to ruin both the effect of your cardiovascular workout and your strength workout when you mix the two.
These are two totally different types of training and you lose the effectiveness of either one when you mix things like this.
Stay with the program!
There is of course nothing that should stop you from taking yoga classes, aerobic, spinning or kick-boxing, these are all great activities, and it is so important to find some of exercising which you find worthwhile and fun.
However, I urge you to stay away from the fads and gimmicks and everything under the sun crammed into one strange combo workout ... at least if you want to see some sustainable results with your cardio as well as your strength training.
I'm pretty sure you have heard this old saying more than once. To put it simply and into context: If you want to become fit and healthy, you will have to eat healthy and nutritional food.
What some folks seem to forget is just how important good eating habits is - not only to your health and weight, but to your ability to work out properly.
A proper balanced "diet", is the fuel that makes it possible for you to get the most out of your workouts - in the short as well as the long run.
Furthermore, it ensures that you recover quicker after a strenuous session of physical work, and that your muscles and your strength will continue to build adequately.
Food for thought
People who want to get lasting results from their workouts, and/or control their weight, need to have proper quality food/nutrition throughout the day. Preferably you should eat something every three to four hours.
And yes, as I'm sure you have heard time and time again - a proper and healthy breakfast is hugely important!
Where do you start?
Rather than making it too complicated for yourself, trying to do all at once (a sure-fire recipe for failure), it is better to do some minor - but important - tweaks. Later on, you can take it step by step from there as needed.
The main point is to get into a habit. Once the desired habit is formed, you can always think about adding more positive changes.
The first thing you should consider is not to drink your calories. Sot drinks, sodas and similar stuff (including lots of juices) are so full of sugar and/or artificial sweeteners (even worse than sugar) that it is way beyond bad.
You need to drink quite a bit of water, so you might just as well get used to that sooner than later...
Next, you may consider adding more fiber to your diet. This goes for dietary fiber (mainly found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plus beans, peas and other legumes), as well as fiber supplements in the form of psyllium husk. Do make sure you drink enough water and start gradually when adding fiber to your diet.
Finally, make sure you have enough protein in your diet. You can find all sorts of information about what type of food contain protein online.
The closer the food is to its natural state - in other words the less processed it is - the better.
If you're like anything like me you probably feel you're working more than enough already. The word work is closely related to that dreaded J.O.B thing, right?
You may also have your days filled with homework from school, or a significant amount of work around the house. In any case most people I know really put in long work hours
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Before we continue the discussion regarding High Intensity Training - H.I.T - perhaps I should warn you about a couple of things...
To begin with, this type of workout is not for the ones who believe you can get any significant effect out of training without breaking a sweat
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High intensity interval training - or HIIT for short - is suitable for those short on time, who likes or needs cardio training, and who are short on time.
As I've mentioned in a previous post, HIIT and HIT is undoubtedly the best types of workouts around - they really gives you great results in the shortest amount of time
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A number of people have asked me over the years how they should be able to stay active, healthy and fit when they have a busy schedule - something which goes for many of us right?
Whether you're a stay-at-home parent with active and busy children; or you're working at home and you're more or less tied to your desk or computer; or you're slaving away at more than one job; or you're busy travelling around - the good news is this
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In the following write-ups and posts I'll be supplying you with - hopefully - valuable information, tips and hints about workout, fitness, health and related matters such as nutrition.
Since the above matters are very general in nature, as well as are being riddled with lots of myths, confusion and misunderstanding, there should be enough to write about
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