The fitness revolution has been an ongoing war for decades. I truly believe that we all have our own experiences with what works best for us and what does not. Since my early days, I have tried all the different techniques, strategies, and suggestions that I read from books & magazines. In college I studied exercise science, obtained my degree and STILL questioned, “What works best?”
We need to remember we each have different goals and different journeys. For starters, STOP comparing yourself to that hot lady with a rocking body on that stupid (sorry, I do not like that word) magazine cover! Also, please take your scale and throw it in the garbage! We are so consumed and obsessed with what others look like and our society has made us addicted to a stinking number that determines how much we should or shouldn’t weigh! I can honestly say I the only time I get weighed is when I go to the doctor. Yes, that is once a year. I determine how I feel about my weight by clothing or my moods. Honestly if I feel good and I am filled with love, peace & happiness then a number means CRAP.
Alright, that was my be happy & feel good about yourself lecture. Now let’s get to our metabolism and how to kick its ass. Remember, this is what works well in my experience. You may have your own exercises that you are completely content with. I am just sharing and if you want to try them, great! I am not going to sugar coat or tell you that you get to go for a walk for 30 minutes & be done. Sorry! The best way to get results is kick your own ASS! That’s right, I went there. Come on, did you really think that by taking a “stroll” we can get lean? I am not saying strolls are not wonderful. I take strolls all the time, however they are good for my mind and not my ass. Let’s get you on the fat burning path.
We all need to move! By moving, I mean we need to elevate our heart rate, sweat and exhaust our muscles. Now, I can already see some of you “cringing” & saying you do not believe in no pain, no gain. I definitely do not either, however in order for your body to burn more fat, you need to accelerate your workouts. Please do this safely and do not injure yourself. An injured muscle can take WEEKS to heal and will set you way back. Always do a proper warm up before you begin any workout.
So what exercises can help with accelerating our heart rate, making us sweat, and exhausting our muscles? Here are a few you can do in your own home.
1. JUMP ROPE: Jump roping is an amazing fat burner, affordable and a phenomenal cardio workout. Do intervals. Jump 30 seconds, take a 30 second break & repeat.
2. JUMPING JACKS: Same results & a bit easier than jump roping.
3. PUSH UPS: I encourage everyone out there to PUSH UP! Whether it is military or a modified version of this exercise, they work! Think of all the muscles you are using with this action? Chest, shoulders, back, triceps & core! Yikes, that is an almost total body workout!
4. SURRENDERS: These suck, but wow your heart rate goes way up! You need to stand up straight, put your arms straight up over your head and just put one knee down, then the next knee and stand up with your arms always above your head. Try it for 30 seconds & you will feel your quads, glutes, shoulders, back, core and calves.
5. BURPEES: This is a huge heart rate accelerator! Stand up, squat down, kick your legs behind you @ the same time like you are jumping into a plank position, bring your legs forward back into your chest and jump up. If you cannot imagine this move, type the word Burpee into Google and it will be there.
6. WALKING LUNGES: Walking lunges are amazing and I find I get the most results in my quads with this movement. Please ALWAYS make sure your knees do NOT go over your toes. Weight should always be in heel. Once again you can check out this movement also on Google.
These are only a few of “my experience” workouts that I have super results with. I really enjoy mixing these moves in my daily workouts whenever I can. Remember in order to get the best results with these, proper technique is a MUST! If anyone is interested I do run women’s fitness camps @ The Complete Athlete in Derry. This is located in the back of the Sports Zone building. I offer a 5 am and a 6 am class. Now get out there and BURN SOME FAT BABY!
You forgot to mention that proper hip movement is essential in Burpees. Do I have Nate on the brain or what????? (tee, hee, hee)
ReplyDeleteSo today I was down in Cambridge (more parent Dr appts) and I ventured to Trader Joe's (one of my favs). While unloading my cart the cashier apparently told me to stop, unfortunately I did not hear him so I continued unloading. He began yelling at me "I told you to stop". Immediately I could feel the anger building. I instantly began telling myself "Unattach, unattach this is not important". My mother starts giving me a funny look, as I continue to mutter to myself. But I have to say it worked, and by the time I got the car loaded I had forgotten all about what had just happened.
So, not only did I burn fat in your FABULOUS 6am class today, but I unattached. Aren't you proud of me????