You only have a certain amount of time to exercise, right? Don’t you want to burn as many calories as you can? Don’t you want to strengthen your heart and lungs, and get more fit?
Then you’re going to have to make your exercise count!
I see people sitting on bikes reading magazines and strolling on treadmills like they’re taking a walk in the park. There’s no sweat on their brow, no heavy breathing. They’re not red in the face from exertion. In fact, they look pretty comfy.
This is not exercise! Exercise is work and it should feel like work.
Always give yourself 5-10 minutes to warm up. You can do any kind of cardio to get your body warmed up. This takes your heart rate from a low, resting rate up to a working range.
Once you’re warmed up, it’s time to work at a challenging rate. Whatever you’re doing, it should feel pretty tough.
If you’re walking on a treadmill, add some incline. If you’re cycling, add some speed and resistance. If you’re weight training, try a heavier weight.
You want to get your breathing up and your heart rate elevated. This will burn the most calories. Take a break when you need it, but then jump right back into the working zone!
It’s easy to fall into an exercise slump and mosey through your workout. But don’t do it!
At your next workout, do your best to make it difficult. Work harder, get your heart rate higher, give it all you got, and kick your own butt.
