Use the
"Heavy" Weights
It
can be intimidating to venture out onto the weight room floor, especially when
it's full of bodybuilding types throwing weights around. But you aren't doing
yourself any favors by staying in the corner with those little pink dumbbells!
"You
have two types of muscle
fibers: slow and fast. If you don't use heavier weights, you neglect an
entire set of muscle fibers, namely the fast fibers, which are important for
moving quickly, lifting weighty objects
Does
your typical cardio session always involve the treadmill, stationary bike, or
stair stepper? You may not be burning as many calories as you could be, Olson
says. "Using your upper-body muscles more can up your total calorie count
and will help you develop better endurance. Athletes with the fittest
cardiovascular systems are total-body, aerobic athletes such as cross country
skiers and swimmers (movements which use both the arms and the legs).
Have a Plan
Do
you want to lose 10 pounds, run a 5K, or become more flexible? "There are special workout plans for each of the above, and they are
not interchangeable—there is no "one exercise-fits-all"
program," Olson says. "If you do not have a plan to address your
greatest fitness needs and desires, you can stall results and actually create
changes you do not need or that might not even be appropriate for you."
Do Eccentric
Exercises
We
like to work the muscles we can see in the mirror (like our abs), but we can't
ignore our backsides, especially the muscles around our spine, Olson says. For
example, we tend to crunch, curl, and shorten our abs, but it's also important to try some
eccentric movements to help balance out the strength of those muscles during
"lengthening" movements.
Do Unilateral
Training
Every
time you use a leg press, leg curl, or leg extension machine at the gym, you
work both legs together at same the time. The problem? This could be causing
some muscular imbalances in your body, according to Olson.
Don’t Leave Without Stretching
Skipping a post-workout stretch is the most common mistake
exercisers make, Olson says. After, not before, your workout is the perfect
time to stretch, as your muscles are warm and flowing with oxygen-rich blood.
All
adults should be stretching at least three times a week, Olson says. Stretch
the front side of your body first, since tighter muscles on the front of the
body can reduce flexibility in the back of your body. For example, if your hip
flexors are tight, your hamstrings will have limited flexibility.
Change Direction
Changing
your direction is another great way to mix up your cardio workouts for better
results. If you always move forward on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike, try
moving sideways and backwards too,
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for commenting