You know, for decades, researchers, sport scientists, coaches, athletes, trainers, and the like have been studying exercise. Theyve all been on the quest for the same trophy to either discover or create the Magic Workout. The routine that works so well, so quick, so amazing, that it must be magic.Well, the can all pick up their pads, pencils, and calculators, and go home. Why? Because I have the Magic Workout already figured out.You see, my...more
If you check out the late-night infomercials, you're likely to find a few trying to sell some sort of exercise gizmo, contraption, or program. Usually, these things are either ab gadgets, or cardio workout programs.They all promise the same thing - a "perfect cardio workout". This is the workout that will get you instant results - pounds lost, inches dropped, smaller clothes worn...all with a 30-day money back guarantee.There's only one problem...more
Ah - the Burpee. We've all done them at some point or another in our lives. It might have been in the military. It might have been in PE class when you were young. Or maybe one of your sports coaches made you do Burpees.But, if you're like most people - you likely HATED Burpees. I used to.Why?Because they were HARD! Are you kidding me? Man, they were tough. After just a few reps, you're breathing hard, your legs hurt, your shoulders and arms want to give you, and you're sweating like a hog in virtually no time. Who like that kind of thing?But, just like eating your vegetables and going to bed early when you were young, Burpees are like a lot of things you didn't like doing as a kid - they were good for you.I'm now fully grown and have kids of my own. And I'm still doing Burpees. Doing a few can serve as a great warm-up for your workout. Doing 5-10 after each set in your strength training workouts as "active recovery" can add a real super cardio element to your taining. In fact, you could do a Burpee-only workout to train your cardio...and it could be a real "puker"!The crazy thing about Burpees is that they're one of the only exercises that can be changed, modified,...more
If ever there was a "full body" exercise, the Burpee has to be it. Try and tell me a body-part that isn't taxed in one way or another during this exercise. Remember, a full Bupee involves squatting down, thrusting your feet back, doing a pushup, thrusting your feet back under you, and standing up with a jump. However, another reason Burpees are...more
Most folks know that they should be doing some sort of cardio workout plan. It can help to reduce bodyfat, improve heart function, and keep the lungs in shape. It can, as with most exercise, also be used as a form of stress relief.However, most folks also just plain hate running. And in many minds, cardio = running. Ugh.Good thing this isn't...more
Ok, now this might not make a whole lot of sense at first. You're looking to do a good cardio workout plan, but you should be doing strength training? Aren't the two pretty much the exact opposite of each other? How is strength training going to help with your cardio? And what if you don't want to build muscle, but just "tone up"?First of all, everybody from skinny dudes to women seem to be afraid that if they start a basic strength training program, that they're going to turn into a muscle-bound freak overnight. Ain't gonna happen, folks. The guys (and most people conjure up thoughts of pro bodybuilders) that have those kind of physiques have likely spent a lot of years (and many times a lot of drugs) building those muscles. Don't think that if you do a few sets of presses and rows that all of a sudden you're going to turn into the Incredible Hulk.So, you don't have that to worry about.Next, strength training helps your body by making you stronger. Cardio training (if done via most "traditional" cardio workout plans - running, elliptical machines, stationary cycling, etc.) will indeed improve your cardiovascular capabilities, meaning you'll have improved heart and lung...more
Interval training (also called HIIT - High Intensity Interval Training) is a very popular cardio workout plan right now. It's pretty much the polar opposite of LSD - Long Slow Distance. Interval training is short and ultra intense - like sprinting...more
Let's face it, most people hate running. In military bootcamp, when you get in trouble, what do you have to do? Run. Growing up in school, what did you hate to do in PE class? Run. On a sports team, what happens if you make too many mistakes in...more
There are numerous reasons why you should be on a good cardio workout plan.First of all, there are the body composition effects. Cardio workouts are a great way to lose bodyfat. For the most part, losing or gaining weight is a matter of "calories...more
It's no doubt that you've heard that a well-designed (and performed) cardio workout plan can give you more energy. The fact that it can has been a major selling point by trainers, the health department, and PE teachers the world over as why you...more
You hear all the time about all the physical benefits of a good cardio workout plan. By now, it's probably all old-hat - fat loss, a stonger heart, better lung capacity, decreased risk of certain kinds of disease, etc. Blah, blah, blah. We've all...more
Take a look at the word "workout". The word "workout" is simply a compound word, meaning it's made up of two smaller words - "work" and "out". And that first one - "work" - is a word that nobody likes.It's also usually associated with any sort of...more