Monday Morning Fit Tip:
PICK UP YOUR PACE
You want to be healthy. You eat well & workout. But sometimes life gets really busy. The next thing you know, there doesn’t seem to be time for exercise. The next time you’re thinking about skipping a workout, try these time-saving
strength-training techniques instead:
- Dumbbells are Pretty Smart When you’re in a hurry, you might not want to wait for someone else to finish using a machine and clean it off before you can start. Try dumbbells to help you develop power, strength, and endurance. You have to work harder to balance free weights yourself and maintain proper form and posture while performing each exercise. Dumbbells also demand your weak side to perform work unassisted by the dominant side. This forces both sides of your body to develop at the same rate.
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Compound ExercisesFinish your workout in 1/2 the time by combining your upper and lower body exercises. For example, instead of doing 3 sets of overhead presses followed by 3 sets of squats, try wall sits with lateral raises. You’ll work the same major muscle groups in a more functional way. Other examples would be a dumbbell chest press while balancing on a stability ball or lunges with bicep curls.
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Add Exercises Between SetsThis might sound like it would take longer, but you can finish your cardio or ab workout during your strength training workout and therefore get out of the gym faster! Instead of resting between sets, do 20 jumping jacks, crunches or pushups. By the time you’re done with your strength workout, you’ll have raised your heartrate with cardio and toned those abs with your crunches!
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Bring WaterNot only will this help you stay hydrated and perform better, but you’ll cut down on trips to and from the water fountain. This cuts down on time walking back and forth – and may keep you from seeing friends & chatting away your workout.
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Try an Express ClassOur instructors have designed quick 30-45 minute workouts that tighten and tone your whole body while raising your heart rate into the fat burning zone. You’ll get a total body workout and get on with your day! Click here for class schedules.
What are your favorite tips? Share below!
Kathie Brown
Certified NASM and AFAA Personal Trainer. Over 20 years experience. Specializes in weight loss, athletes and women body building and leaning out. Crossfit athlete, trains and competes in Crossfit competitions. Took the L1 Crossfit course and completed the judges course. Enjoys working with all levels and body types and loves seeing her clients get stronger and feel confident.
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