What Types of Fitness Training Work Best?
The holidays are here, which means company parties, seasonal treats, out-of-town guests and all the extra calories that come with them! The hustle and bustle of the season may throw your daily schedule into whirlwind mode, making it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Focusing on the right types of fitness training can help your body get through the merriment with minimal damage and maximum fun. Cardio training and strength training are the two basic types of fitness training that can keep your body on track. Since lack of time is a huge factor in neglecting fitness during the holidays, combining both cardio and strength training in a single workout is key.
Begin with Aerobics
Cardio training involves aerobic exercise, which is any activity that increases the body’s need for oxygen and requires your heart and lungs to work harder, such as running, walking, swimming and cycling. Engaging in aerobic activity will help your body increase its metabolism and cardiovascular capability and help to decrease body fat. The ideal length of time for aerobics is a sustained activity of 30 minutes, but if your hectic schedule looks like it might prevent you from fulfilling the 30-minute requirement, cut yourself some slack. A great motivation trick is to tell yourself that doing your aerobic exercise for 10-15 minutes is just fine. Usually, once you’re up and active, those 10-15 minutes will quickly turn into 20-30 minutes without you even realizing it.
Throw in Some Weights
Cardio alone isn’t enough. To achieve real results, you’ll need to combine your aerobic exercise with anaerobic activity. Anaerobic activity is any high-intensity, low-endurance activity that requires bursts of energy for power or speed, such as weight-lifting or sprints. Something as simple as using weights, like a 5-lb. medicine ball, while you stretch can increase your core strength and help you burn fat faster.
