Get More From Your Workout With These 10 Fitness Tips
Is your workout routine getting a little stale? These 10 tips are sure to get you moving and motivated
Dance it Off. Move your body with Zumba, a dance-based fitness program that fuses aerobic moves with Latin music. Zumba works all your major muscle groups: abs, legs, glutes, and arms. Search for a class locally or buy the DVD and Zumba in your living room.
Make a Splash. Do more than just swim laps at your fitness club’s pool. Work out with water dumbbells and fan paddles to tone your arms, chest and core muscles. Check your local pool, fitness club or YMCA for energizing water aerobics classes.
Tone with Tai Chi. Slow and deliberate tai chi moves melt away stress while burning a respectable number of calories. Tai chi focuses on stability and strength and will give your mind and body the boost you need.
Stretch it Out. Prevent soreness and possible injury by stretching properly before and after a workout. Stretching for 5 to 10 minutes will warm up your muscles and prepare your body for a workout.
Jump into Cardio. Jumpstart your cardio routine and burn calories the way boxers do. Jumping rope is cost-effective (compare the cost of a jump rope to an elliptical machine), totally portable (you can stash your jump rope in a bag and take it anywhere), and is an indoor-or outdoor activity. What’s not to love, especially when jumping rope uses nearly every major muscle in the body?
Stay in Shape with Water. Drinking water before, during and after a workout will prevent dehydration, muscle fatigue, and possible injury. Don’t bother with sports drinks or “energy” drinks that contain added sugar or caffeine. Plain water is the best for your body.
Be an Inspiration. Exercising with a friend or loved one is a great way to stay motivated. Friends can help spot while you weight train, or make your time on the treadmill go much faster.
Play Around. Sometimes the best workout you can have takes place outside the gym. Organized team sports are a great way to get fit with friends and family. Plan a game of baseball, football, or basketball to have fun and burn calories at the same time.
On the Ball. Use a stability ball to tone core muscles and develop core strength. Swap out your desk chair for a stability ball at work and see results in no time.
Sweet Dreams. Don’t forget to get plenty of rest. It is essential to get 8 hours of sleep at night to refresh your mind and body and prepare for your next workout.
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