Exercising hours a day isn't necessary for results, eDiets Chief Fitness Pro gives you a better workout in less time: Faster fitness...
Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.
-- Abraham Lincoln
A lot of people think they need to work out two hours a day in order to get lean and healthy. We put so much pressure on ourselves that failure is inevitable.
I have always contended that a workout should fit into your lifestyle and the number of days and time spent working out should be realistic. Consistency and shorter duration workouts is the key to this game.
That being said, I've constructed some helpful tips to make your workouts shorter, but just as effective as one longer bout. Your goal is to create a minimal fitness plan for success. All you need is a few days per week and sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Short duration workouts are not only time effective, but also produce a positive hormonal state. Many studies conclude that long workouts produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that strips muscle and places high levels of stress on the body, thereby creating an unhealthy state.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Perform circuit training: Circuit training is simply performing one exercise for each muscle group without rest. For example, one would do a chest exercise for 12 reps, followed by back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, legs, calves and abs. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat for two to three more cycles or until you reach the 20-30 minute time limit. It’s a great way to burn fat and limit workout time.
Design a split routine: You don't necessarily need to work every major muscle group in each workout. One day, work only your upper body for 20 minutes and then finish with 10 minutes of cardio. The next workout, do lower body and finish with 10 to 15 minutes of cardio.
Perform weights and cardio on separate days: One day focus only on cardio for 20 to 30 minutes, the next day weight train for 20 to 30 minutes. A few days later, Yoga or Pilates for 30 minutes. It’s an excellent way to balance your routine and stay invigorated.
Split your DVD workout: Lots of people love to exercise using fitness and dance aerobic videos. Who says you have you do it all in one session? Split the DVD into two days (assuming it’s an hour) and slightly increase your intensity level each day. You’ll still get great results.
Weight/cardio mix: One good short-duration workout method is to perform one weight training exercise followed by 3 minutes of cardio. Then, back to a weight training movement, then 3 minutes of a new cardio exercise. Keep repeating without rest until you achieve your 20 to 30 minute goal.
Walk briskly at lunch time 3 days per week for 30 minutes: Don’t get caught up in the fact that it’s not enough. We’re looking for consistency -- which will ultimately help you to lose some fat and get fit.
No time for a 30-minute walk in one session? Split your workout into two separate times during the day. Walk in the morning for 15 minutes before work and then again at lunch or right after work. Studies show that it’s just as effective one 30-minute session.
A drug-free competitive bodybuilder and 2005 winner of the prestigious WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Card, Raphael Calzadilla is a veteran of the health-and-fitness industry. He specializes in a holistic approach to body transformation, nutrition programs and personal training. He earned his B.A. in communications from Southern Connecticut State University and is certified as a personal trainer with ACE and APEX. In addition, he successfully completed the RTS1 program based on biomechanics.
