Crossfit, P90X, Insanity – When did the model for being healthy and fit become all about pushing the limits of your body? There seems to be a modern, accepted truth that the crazier the workout is, the more beneficial it is, and the more praise you should get for completing it. This is a myth. This kind of extreme stress on the body can become more detrimental than beneficial, even if you feel capable of doing it.
As an alternative, consider using Interval Training as a method for your exercise routines. Internal Training Workouts alternate periods of short, high-intensity exercise with low-intensity recovery periods. According to research published by the Mayo Clinic on March 24, 2015, Interval Training better increases fitness by burning more calories and improving aerobic capacity compared to a steady-state cardio workout. The best part about it? It is easily customizable and achievable, whether you’re a novice or an expert, a young adult or a senior.
There are also many different fitness plans that you can follow; the most commonly recommended method is called “The Blaster”. It was developed for high calorie burning, muscle toning, and cardiovascular support by Dr. Jason Karp, PhD (exercise physiologist, nationally-recognized running coach, and fitness author) and it takes only 33 minutes to complete!
How to do it:
- Warm up for 15 minutes (stretching/yoga)
- Walk, run, bike, or row for 3 minutes at 90 to 95 percent of your maximum heart rate (should feel like 8.5 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10).
- Take 3 minutes active recovery (you’re still moving, but at an easy pace)
- Repeat the 3-on/3-off pattern 3 or 4 more times.
- Finish with a 10-minute cool down.
This can be adapted with different lengths of work and recovery to suite your level of fitness maturity – and they all work! Are you ready to stop making excuses, and to take your health to the next level? Physical fitness is just one aspect to consider. Your body is made to move, and this is made possible because of the brain communicating with your body via the Central Nervous System. Making sure that your brain and body are communicating clearly is the first step to a beneficial workout, and to living an optimal life. Start your fitness journey with an upgraded workout routine, and a Nervous System check-up at Stillpoint Family Chiropractic!
Yours in Health,
SFC
The information provided by the Stillpoint Family Chiropractic Wellness Blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. Stillpoint Family Chiropractic assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, and encourages its readers to confirm all details from alternate sources, and any and all content is subject to change without notice.