Tonight was the first time I saw someone walking the track while reading a magazine. She was strolling slowly along, flipping through the pages, glancing up from time to time. She looked genuinely relaxed.
Then another person meandered along, cell phone to her ear, while she talked and laughed. She looked like she was having social time not workout time.
There have also been plenty of times I’ve seen guys draped over the weight machines talking – using the machines for props, not exercise. Or chatting it up with a lady instead of doing their next set.
Yes, I understand the gym can be a social and fun place – a place to meet friends, watch a TV show, or read an article. But you still need to get a good workout in.
Maybe you don’t go to the gym. Maybe you’re a dog walker or a park walker. But how is your exercise energy? Are you strolling along at an easy pace or keeping a fast clip?
The point with exercise is to get your heart rate up. This is what strengthens your heart and lungs, burns calories, and improves your fitness. This is what brings on those great exercise benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, weight loss, deeper sleep, more energy, etc.
The next time you exercise, check your intensity. Other than your warm up and cool down periods, you should be working! Your heart rate and breathing should be up. Your muscles should feel the workload. It should feel somewhat difficult to keep the pace.
During your next workout, take it up a notch. Work a little harder. Make your exercise time the best it can be.
