Workout With Your Four-Legged Friend

February 6, 2012 — kbands

Working out with your dog will benefit you both!

If you can’t find a training partner to help you achieve your health and fitness goals; another option might be your four-legged friend…your dog. Before you scoff in disbelief, working out with Fido might offset those vet bills, food and time spent taking care of him.  Take advantage of “man’s best friend” and utilize your pet to boost your health … and his. Surprisingly, owning a dog in fact increases the chances you will workout at least 150 minutes a week by 34 percent.

So, what can you do to workout with your dog so you both can benefit? Here are three activities:

Frisbee Run

Playing frisbee is typically great for your dog, but by adding a running/sprinting element you can get a workout as well. Get into a large field or dog park and toss the frisbee 20-30 yards. As your dog takes off, chase after the frisbee as well. When you meet up, throw it the other direction and repeat. You’ll make the game better and get a interval workout as well. Remember, if you’re at a public dog park and other dogs are around, be prepared to have some competition. You won’t want to trip over another dog and end up sidelined with an injury. Choose non-peak times or utilize a large back yard. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you are aware of leash laws and only unleash your dog for a frisbee run where the law allows.

Road Warrior

Running or jogging with your dog can be rewarding for both pet and owner. Depending on the breed of your dog and the relative fitness level of both of you, you’ll want to adjust your workouts accordingly. Some dogs were made to run, others were not. Start out with a short distance and slow pace and gradually work your way up. Dogs not used to a pace or distance might struggle. If your dog is pulling you down the street, begin with walking and consider training devices. Inquire at a local pet store how to proceed and avoid choker chains or harnesses as dogs often don’t respond well to these. Remember, many of the normal workout rules apply. Make sure you both get plenty of water, avoid sun exposure during hot and humid days and provide plenty of time to rest.

Trail Adventure

If running or jogging isn’t your pace, you can still pursue a trail and hike with your dog. Make sure dogs are allowed and you have the proper footwear. Hiking is a great cardiovascular workout with varying heart rates and terrain. If you really want a challenge, consider adding resistance bands to your hike, but keep in mind they are just for you – we don’t have a line of bands for pets just quite yet! You’ll add another dimension to your workout as you strengthen your lower legs, quads, glutes and lower back. Again, start slow here and only wear the bands for a portion of your workout until you get stronger. Once spring is in the air, a trail hike under the cover of trees is a great alternative to the typical workout routine.

Track Your Steps with a Pedometer

While exercising with your dog, consider wearing a pedometer! You’ll be amazed at how many steps you take while walking or exercising with your dog. Tracking your exercise and calories is the key to burning excess calories and fat, and getting in shape!

While you might have never considered your dog as a workout buddy, you can both benefit from a weekly routine. Consider these activities and you both could just have something to howl about as you chase after your health and fitness goals.

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Increase Your Speed As A Distance Runner

January 21, 2012 — kbands

Increasing speed as distance runners is a worthwhile pursuit.

Let’s face it. There is a reason you run distance. Actually, there are several with one being the complete lack of effective fast-twitch muscle fibers. This keeps you tied to long distance running. But just because you run distance doesn’t mean you can’t work to increase your overall speed. From “surging” throughout a race, to improving your stamina, increasing your speed as a distance runner is a worthy pursuit.

Lower Posterior Strength

Before beginning any speed endeavor, ensuring a strong lower posterior is a must. You’ll prevent injury and put yourself in the best possible position to have successful workouts. The areas most important in speed training are the lower back, gluteal muscles and hamstrings. Left under-trained, you’re asking for a season-ending injury. Isolating these areas with resistance bands and plyometric exercises are good approaches to preparing yourself for speed workouts. While some might believe running alone will strengthen those areas adequately, it’s simply not the case. You must supplement with targeted exercises working those specific muscle groups.

Interval Training

Interval training really pushes the limits of your anaerobic capacity by varying the length and intensity of a workout. For example, you could run mile repeats with 400 meter sprints or jogs in-between. By alternating fast then slow and repeating, you’re building up your stamina and developing the rate at which your stride turns over. Not only is it beneficial for your endurance but it can also improve speed.

Tempo Runs

By incorporating tempo runs into your workout you can become a faster 5k runner, a stronger 10k runner and a more solid marathoner. Tempo runs teach your body how to run faster, longer, before fatiguing. Typically, a tempo run lasts for 25 minutes at a pace you could sustain if you had to run for an hour. There are a variety of tempo run workouts online. Make sure to browse them and add this vital component to your training.

Don’t let the classification of “distance runner” remove the word “speed” from your vocabulary. There are a variety of ways to improve your speed and doing so will not only increase your endurance but it could give you that edge when you cross the finish line. That edge might just be the difference between champion and runner-up.

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Wrestlers: Don’t Make This Training Mistake

January 14, 2012 — kbands

Will you be the one with your arm raised? Don't make this training mistake.

Every wrestler knows you have to have a well balanced training regiment if you’re going to be the one with his arm raised at the end of the match. There are no shortcuts or substitutes for plain old hard work in the gym and on the mat. But in addition to free-weights, body weight, medicine balls, plyometric routines and cardio – there is often one overlooked component of a wrestler’s strength training program. Not doing this could rob you of achieving your greatest potential. So make sure to include resistance band training as part of your weekly wrestling training routine.

A Lesson From A Champion

NCAA wrestling champion, US Olympian and current coach Cary Kolat believes using resistance band training is vital. While it’s often assumed the bands are only ideal for traveling or when you can’t get to the gym, he suggests a weekly program. Incorporating the bands into a traditional routine mixes up your workouts, causes your muscles to have to work differently and can be varied in intensity and resistance. If resistance band training is good enough for a former NCAA champion and US Olympian, it should be good enough for any wrestler.

Improve Pulling Strength

While wrestlers will often spend a lot of time doing “pushing” exercises – “pulling” exercises are just as important. Throughout the battle of a match wrestlers do both. From pushing an opponent to pulling an opponent into position. While things like lat pull downs or pull ups are often prescribed, resistance band training allows athletes to improve their pulling strength. It’s a different type of workout compared to machines or body-weight. This two-pronged approach to strength training can help put a wrestler in the best position to get the take-down instead of get taken down.

Build Up Lower Body

Strong hips and legs will allow you to explode out of holds, deliver crushing pressure when sprawling or riding and help keep you injury-free. There are some machines that will allow you to isolate the hips and target the abductor muscles responsible for the strength needed. But machines alone aren’t ideal. Like the rest of a training program has to be balanced, building leg and hip strength is no exception. Resistance bands are ideal for lower body workouts as well. From explosive drills to repetitive, low-intensity exercises, there are plenty of options to use resistance bands to build lower body strength.

Every athlete wants to compete at the highest level and you have to be willing to put the time into strength training if greatness is desired. But maintain a balanced approach, take the advice of a champion and integrate resistance band training into your workout. You might just be the one with an arm raised when the whistle blows.

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How to Keep Those Fitness New Year Resolutions

January 5, 2012 — kbands
Keeping Those Resolutions

Find victory with your New Year's fitness resolution.

The new year is here and with it comes the time-tested tradition of resolutions. Many people make health and wellness resolutions and sadly, many people…don’t keep them. Gym memberships often soar at the beginning of the year. Dedication and passion runs through the veins at an all time high. Then, weeks or months into the new year, the excitement fades, life happens and the gyms become slowly less busy.

That’s why we highly recommend making an investment in a set of resistance bands for your fitness goals.

First – you will own the bands.

Second, they can travel anywhere with you.

Third, our website offers a ton of resources like DVDs and YouTube videos to teach you how to get in the best shape with the bands.

Once you own the bands, here are a few ideas on how to keep those fitness resolutions…

Break Your Resolution Into More Attainable Goals

Often we’ll hear of resolutions that include substantial weight loss of 30 lbs or more. Or a workout plan that includes five-days-a-week of religious training. The problem with resolutions many times is they aren’t attainable at the very beginning. Instead of making a resolution to lose 30 lbs, aim for 2 lbs a week of weight loss for 15 weeks. In just a few short months you’ll have lost 30 lbs and you’ll find the motivation you need every week because your goal is manageable and attainable. The same goes for those who want to work out during the week. Instead of five-days-a-week, start with Tuesday/Thursday for two months. Then switch to Monday/Wednesday/Friday for two months and build up over the course of six months. Choosing lofty fitness resolutions that don’t allow you to find victories along the way are recipes for resolution let downs.

Build In Healthy Rewards

Once you’ve set some attainable goals, build in some healthy rewards for reaching milestones along the way. Make sure to keep them “healthy.” If your goal is weight loss, a trip to Krispie Kreme is counter productive. If your goal is working out three times a week and on the second week you take two of those days off as a “reward” – that’s not productive either. But find those things you can reward yourself with as you accomplish your health and fitness milestones. A new outfit, fitness equipment, movie night, book or MP3 file. These rewards will motivate you even amidst times of tiredness, disappointment or lack of passion.

Get a Workout Buddy

This one might be obvious, but you are actually more likely to workout if you have someone to keep you accountable. You might consider finding a personal trainer who can not only motivate you but create a fitness plan specifically for you. You could also join a gym and enroll in a class that meets for several months. If, like many Americans, you’re feeling the effects of an economic slowdown, your best option might be to find a friend, family member or co-worker that has similar fitness resolutions. On the mornings you don’t want to head to the gym or the lunch breaks where you’d rather stay at your desk…a workout buddy can be the difference between keeping a resolution and letting it wilt away.

Find Solutions That Work For You

One of the best ways to keep a health and wellness resolution is to find a solution that works for you. Maybe you can’t afford a gym membership or find three days of free time to do a 90-minute workout each day. There are a variety of fitness solutions that you can do at home with little cost besides the initial purchase. Resistance band training is an affordable, versatile solution. Using your own body weight in plyometric workouts is another great option as it uses dynamic exercises with varying intensity. Lastly walking at the local mall, outside or even starting some light jogging are all doable. Find the option that works best for you; your schedule and pace of life is key.

Make this new year different and become someone who can keep their health and wellness resolutions. Start small, reward yourself, get accountability and find a workout solution that works for you. This time next year, hopefully you’ll be in the best position to say that you kept your resolution and you’re ready to conquer another.

Posted in Exercises, General Fitness, weight loss. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »

Five Reasons Why Resistance Bands Are a Great Gift

December 16, 2011 — kbands

Resistance bands make great gifts this holiday season!

As the holidays role on, finding the perfect gift for that someone special can be pretty challenging. And with days winding down until Christmas you don’t have to wait until the “final hour” to finish up all your shopping. Giving the gift of health this season is a great alternative to traditional gifts that won’t be used, won’t last or worse yet, get re-gifted next year.

Despite all the hype over the latest exercise equipment, training programs and dozens of “As Seen on TV” gimmicks, resistance band training is a cost effective, tried and true fitness option that could make a great gift.

Before we jump into five reasons why, please remember that giving a fitness related gift to someone could be a sensitive issue. To avoid relational carnage, make sure the person you are giving the gift to is in pursuit of personal wellness. Don’t use the gift as a “hint” that he or she should exercise. If you want to help someone start on the path to healthy living, buy the resistance bands yourself and invite them to a workout with you. Now, onto the five reasons why resistance bands make a great gift!

Resistance Bands Are Cost Effective

Instead of having to spend hundreds of dollars on free weights, a monthly fee on a gym membership, or multiple payments on the latest equipment fad, resistance bands are a cost effective approach to accomplishing your fitness goals. With a few different bands of differing resistance you can move from easy to difficult. Throughout your workout you can also adjust the tension of your bands for differing degrees of resistance. Bottom line – you can get a greater spectrum of difficulty at a lower cost than weights or other traditional options.

Resistance Bands Are Safe

Resistance bands are great for those just starting to pursue their fitness goals or those who are coming back from an injury. Inexperience or impatience can lead to injury when using free weights. Because technique is so important, without proper instruction and time free weights might not be the best choice for someone just starting out. Someone who has experienced an injury might also not have the strength to use free weights or jump on a machine. Resistance bands allow the user to do a variety of exercises, at varying degrees of difficulty.  Resistance bands also reduce the potential for injury.

Portability is a Bonus

Let’s face it, no one wants to drag around a box of dumbbells every time they travel. Trusting that a hotel or family member will have adequate workout facilities is always a gamble. Large equipment might fit under your bed but it can’t go in the trunk or in an overhead bin. So much of today’s fitness equipment is just not portable. This is why resistance bands are such a great gift; they are incredibly portable. They are lightweight and can be stuffed virtually anywhere. Some even come with their own storage bags. In a suitcase, carry on or messenger bag – resistance bands are one of the most versatile and portable pieces of exercise equipment you can buy.

Strength Train and Do Cardio

For those who think resistance bands are only for doing strength training, think again. If the person you’re buying for is looking for a cardio workout too – resistance bands can deliver. Not only are there a variety of workouts you can do with bands, but DVD’s on the market will allow you to burn calories and keep your heart rate high enough to accomplish your cardio goals.

Adapt to Any Athlete

If you’ve got an athlete to buy for this season, resistance bands are so versatile they can accommodate a variety of athletes. The same movements and motions athletes perform in competition can be mimicked, strengthened and improved with resistance bands. So if you’re athlete is a runner, boxer, track & field athlete or plays any number of sports – give them the gift that will help take their game to the next level.

With only a few days left to shop, consider resistance bands as a perfect, cost-effective, safe, versatile gift that should provide some significant health and fitness victories. If you’re interested in purchasing kinetic bands, we ship the same or next day the order is received through USPS Priority 2-3 day shipping. See our website for information about shipping and cut-off days to receive your resistance bands by Christmas.

Posted in Athletic Training, Cardio Workouts, Exercise bands. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

5 Tips for Eating Healthy During the Holidays

December 14, 2011 — kbands

Five easy tips to survive the holidays and maintain your health are easier than you think.

The month of December can be one of the most challenging months to maintain those health and fitness goals. There’s the office Christmas parties, numerous weekend parties with friends or family and the heavy volume of desserts, snacks and drinks that find new life this time of year.

With a few easy-to-remember tips you can actually make it through the New Year, avoid setting yourself back weeks and still manage to enjoy much of what the holidays have to offer.

Don’t Skip Meals

If you’re prone to skip a meal throughout the week, don’t during the month of December. The increased opportunity for eating poorly coupled with a hungry stomach can lead to food choice disaster. If you haven’t skipped a meal and you’re still hungry grab a healthy snack before you head out the door. Fruit, vegetables, granola bars, etc. can help stave off the overindulgence later on.

Bring a Healthy Food

If you’re hosting the holiday event diversify your menu with fruits and veggies. If you’re invited to bring a side dish,  fruit kabobs or a veggie tray could be a welcomed addition amongst all the sweet treats. And if you’re tasked with a main dish consider healthier options. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pasta with light vinaigrette dressing or even turkey without the skin can be great alternatives.

Exercise Portion Control

With buffets being a holiday staple, consider incorporating portion control when eating. Sampling a small number of higher caloric foods in very small portions can help satisfy that sweet tooth and reduce any potential fitness setbacks. However, know that portion control requires self-control. If this is historically difficult for you, don’t attempt it.

Prepare for the Road Trip

Traveling is undoubtedly a part of the season and when you’re on the road your diet can become worse than the crumbling highways you drive on. Prepare for your trip by packing healthy snack options and skip the gas stations and rest stops. Sandwiches, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, protein bars and a variety of other health conscious foods taste great, hold up well on the road and can keep you fuller longer. If you’re flying look for similar healthy choices throughout the airports. They might be a little more difficult to find, but they’re worth the work.

Start a New Workout

The dreary, cold season of winter and the heightened opportunity for making poor dietary choices is one holiday recipe you want to avoid. Starting a new workout program before the New Year will allow you to jump start your boring routine, stay active through the holiday and propel you well into January when everyone else is just starting. Free weights, cross-training or resistance band training could be the insurance you need to maintain your health and wellness goals.

With a few simple things in mind you might be better prepared for the seasonal busyness and stay one step ahead of your fitness goals when it comes to proper nutrition and exercise. Be strong, stay smart and enjoy the benefits of good choices throughout the holidays.

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Stay Safe When Exercising In The Winter

December 13, 2011 — kbands

Winter is fast approaching but you can still stay fit when the temperature drops

With Jack Frost nipping at our door, most of the country is just a few short weeks from experiencing the full force of winter. When temperatures drop, you don’t have to necessarily take your workout indoors. There are several things you can do to make sure you stay safe while exercising this winter.

Dress In Layers

Wearing layers outdoors can help conserve body heat, but you’ll have to experiment. Wear too many layers and you’ll produce too much heat and as your sweat dries you’ll actually feel cold. Wear too few layers and you won’t be able to sustain the warmth you need throughout the workout. Dressing in layers, with the right clothes, can allow you to extend your outdoor workouts well into the winter.

  1. Consider wearing a base layer of synthetic apparel, like a shirt or pants made of polypropelene. These wisk sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and warm. Stay away from cotton shirts as they keep sweat locked in, close to your body.
  2. Add an insulation layer next – microfleece or a sweatshirt works great. This layer will help store your body heat.
  3. Next, add a layer to block the wind. A light jacket and pants can help keep the wind out, keeping you warmer, longer.
  4. Lastly, depending on the temperatures, a winter hat, gloves and face mask might be appropriate. You’ll have to experiment with these items because it’s easy to get overheated while wearing them. An additional alternative to a winter hat is a headband. This allows you to keep those ears warm while still venting your body heat from the top of your head.

Do An Extra Long Warmup

Muscle strains and injuries are often more likely with cold muscles. Take some extra time, before jumping into your workout, to ensure your body is warm and ready to go. You can even start your workout inside by including some stretch time after your warm up. Then, toss on your layers and launch into the great outdoors. Remember that once you start moving, your body will do a good job of keeping itself warm. Your body will work for you, so adding the right amount of clothing to keep warmth inside will make for a great run. The key is completing a good stretch and warmup session before heading outside.

Stay Hydrated

Even with temperatures in the 20′s or 30′s – you still sweat, which is why it’s important to stay hydrated. Depending on your workout – you might sweat a lot. Don’t use the cool temperatures as an excuse not to drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout.

Carry A Cell Phone

If you’re exercising outside during the winter, or anytime for that matter, carry a cell phone. The cold temperatures make it dangerous if you are exposed to them for long periods of time. An injury on a country road, a wrong turn on a trail or just fatigue are all reasons why you don’t want to get caught outside without a lifeline.

Pay Attention to Weather Conditions

Even with all the warm up, stretching, layers and hydration – mother nature has the ability to defeat even the best prepared. If outside temperatures dip well below 0 degrees, especially with wind chill, consider staying indoors. There are a variety of exercises you can do inside and staying indoors doesn’t have to derail your fitness goals. From yoga, to free weights to resistance band training, there are virtually endless options.

Winter is fast approaching and might already have arrived depending on where you live. Use these few, short tips when considering exercising outside. Regardless of the weather you can still maintain your health and wellness goals throughout the winter season.

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Avoid Injuries, Do Exercises The Right Way

November 30, 2011 — kbands

With a few simple tips, you can avoid injury and pursue your fitness goals.

Whether you’re a workout regular or a fitness newbie, exercising correctly can help reduce the likelihood of injury and allow you to continue to train toward your health and wellness goals. With some key things to remember you can avoid unnecessary aches and pains or worse, a trip to the doctor’s office and a few unaffordable days off from work.

Take Your Time

We’ve all seen the extreme workout programs, the dieting and pedal-to-the-metal approaches to fitness. Instead of jumping in to new programs or exercises with reckless abandon, take your time. Start with a small group of exercises that work specific areas of your body or help you accomplish your workout goals. Then, as you become familiar with those, layer in additional exercises. Just like you shouldn’t ride a motorcycle without riding a bicycle first – take your time and get used to your new program before “going all in.”

Maintain Proper Form

If you are doing any load bearing exercises (training with weights or bands) – proper form is key. Typically after fatigue sets in during a workout, proper form diminishes. It’s during these times when you’ll often try to compensate for bad form by doing the exercise incorrectly and as a result, strain, pull or even tear tendons, ligaments or muscles. Keeping proper form at the beginning, middle and end of a workout will help you avoid injuries and maximize the effectiveness of your workout. One final quick tip – workout in front of a mirror to ensure your form stays consistent.

Listen To Your Body

You might think that grunting your way through a workout will get you faster results. While you should keep the “work” in your workout, you should also listen to your body. If you feel maxed out and you want to get one more rep, one more mile or one more exercise – really listen to what your body is telling you. Adding additional rest or modifying your workout could save you a lot of heartache because of injury. Sometimes, that little bit extra might cost you a lot more.

You Don’t Have to Go to the Gym

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go to a gym or buy expensive equipment to get a good workout. In fact, using your own body weight or workout bands might be safer than starting in the gym. With lighter resistance you can focus more on proper form and completing an entire workout. Bands give you the ability to adjust the resistance and do exercises you simply cannot do with traditional weights or dumbbells. If you’re hesitant about the gym, resistance training might be a great place to start. There’s no reason you can’t work your way into a gym eventually.

With some common sense approaches you can help ensure you accomplish your fitness goals and don’t get sidetracked by unnecessary injury. Start slow, maintain proper form during your entire workout, listen to your body and consider alternatives to the gym. You might just help yourself stay injury free.

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Give the gift of health this holiday season

November 23, 2011 — kbands

Giving a great health and fitness holiday gift could be the best gift you give someone.

With December fast approaching, finding the right gift for friends and loved ones is always a challenge. Wait until the last minute and you might not find what you’re looking for. Shop too early and you could end up spending a lot more. What if you could abandon the hassle and give a gift that would could potentially last well into the new year?

Giving a gift that could help improve the health and fitness of that special someone is better than any fruitcake, outfit, gift card or expensive trinket. With a variety of options, there are plenty of health and fitness gifts that are perfect for someone regardless of their fitness level.

The Gift of Health

  • Heart Monitor
    A heart monitor is a great gift for those looking to optimize the time they have to workout. By knowing and maintaining a certain heart rate, you don’t have to wonder if your workout is effective. A heart monitor gives you the information you need to continue your workout or adjust it accordingly depending on your workout goals. Heart monitors are available for those who are just getting started or those who are advanced. Many are feature-rich and very versatile.
  • Kettlebells
    Although they have a funny name, a workout with kettlebells is a serious workout. Available in a variety of weights, they can be integrated into any workout program regardless of fitness level. Their design makes them easy to grip and the exercises you can do are quite vast. You’ll want to do a bit of research to familiarize yourself with the programs offered.
  • Resistance Bands
    Like the Kettlebells, resistance bands are a great way to enhance your fitness level. Plus, they’re portable. Resistance bands can travel with you in your carry-on luggage, or easily be thrown into the trunk for your road trip. Resistance bands allow you to get a great strength workout on specific muscle areas through the use of smooth, consistent movements.
  • Personal Training Sessions
    One of the best ways to ensure you stay on track to accomplish your fitness goals is through accountability. And what better way to make sure you reach those goals then with the help of a personal trainer. Unlike a friend, co-worker or even spouse – the personal trainer isn’t always going to give you a free pass on workouts. They are paid to ensure you have the best chance at reaching your fitness goals. Make sure the personal trainer you purchase sessions from is qualified and depending on local requirements, licensed.
  • DVD Workout Program
    If a personal training session isn’t right for the person you’re shopping for, why not start with a DVD-based workout program. In the comfort of your own home, in a hotel room while traveling or even during an extended lunch break at work, there is a program for virtually anyone, anywhere. Unlike gym memberships there is typically never reoccurring costs. You can work out at your own pace on your own time and know the workout your getting should be a good one.

As the holidays march closer, consider giving a gift that could truly change the life of a friend, co-worker, family member or spouse. You might just help them put back years on their life and enjoy holidays with less health problems and much more cheer. Shop wisely this season and give a gift that gives back.

Posted in Exercise bands, Exercise Routine, Workout DVDs. Tags: , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

High Amounts of Sugar In Your Diet Are Not So Sweet

November 16, 2011 — kbands

Cutting out soda and other sweetened beverages is a great way to reduce your caloric intake. In 2009 the City of New York encouraged citizens to cut back.

Even though there is plenty of medical data to tell us that high amounts of sugar in our diet is not good for us, we don’t seem to be listening. Today, 66% of Americans, along with one-third of children and teens are overweight or obese. A recent study concluded that sugar, while not the sole culprit, is a significant contributor to obesity in the US.

If you’re fed up with the status quo and want to make some significant personal changes to your level of health, improving nutrition is a good place to start. Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet, cutting out all soda and sweetened beverages (even diet beverages) and increasing vegetable and whole grain intake will help jump start your metabolism. You could even consider nutritional supplements. With a faster metabolism, your body will naturally start to burn more calories with the right fuel in the tank.

But that’s only part of the equation. If you want to obliterate the fat and get back on track to a healthier you; combining proper nutrition with exercise is vitally important.

Firm Then Burn

Common sense would say that a cardio workout would burn the most calories. But research has shown that doing a light to moderate strength training circuit before your regular cardio workout can actually be better on your body. Arteries soften and lower your blood pressure when a resistance based workout is done. These types of workouts can also potentially increase the amount of fat you burn during your cardio routine. Intimidated by weights? Hate clunky machines? Resistance bands are an affordable way to firm, shape and tone specific areas of your body. They also serve as a great addition to a calorie burning workout.

Let The Burn Begin with Cardio

With your body actually in better condition for a cardio workout, now it’s time to let the burn begin. Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to melt away those love handles or problem areas. Just 30-45 minutes each day and you are well on your way. Mix and match different intensities and exercises to increase your heart rate and burn more calories. These cardio workouts can include:

  • Step Aerobics
  • Bicycling
  • Swimming
  • Racquetball
  • Rock Climbing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Running
  • Resistance Bands
  • Elliptical Trainer
  • Rowing
  • Walking Briskly

With a revamped diet that includes less sugar, a light to moderate strength training routine and a fat burning cardio workout you have a 1-2-3 punch to knockout the fat and lose weight. Follow some simple approaches and you might have a lot more than sweets to smile about. You might have a leaner, healthier, happier you.

Posted in Cardio Workouts, Resistance Bands Training, weight loss. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »
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