Take Your Training to the Next Level

Be honest: When was the last time you upgraded your workout routine? Chances are, you prefer staying within your comfort zone, doing the same workout or going to the same fitness classes week after week. Not good! Ask any Glenview personal trainer, and they’ll tell you that you need to challenge yourself every six to eight weeks or so; otherwise, your body will condition itself to stop working hard — you’ll plateau, and won’t see any more results. Below are three suggestions from Glenview personal trainers on how to transform your customary workouts into more challenging ones.

Spinning
Besides being a good quick-toning aerobic workout, spinning also benefits you by strengthening the muscles of your lower body — it tones your hamstrings and quadriceps, and also works out your hips and back. The basic goal of spinning is to attain your target heart rate and cadence. Always remember, though, that you require resistance. For middle-aged women and beyond, spinning is a great opportunity to build muscle and enhance cardio.

Yoga
One of the best ways to take your yoga routine to the next level is to supplement it with basic fitness moves — sit-ups, pushups, squats, crunches, and lunges. For instance, from a yoga warrior pose, you can move into a lunge. You might also want to alter your workout routine every now and then so that you challenge both your mind and your body. Try more advanced poses or moves, and don’t forget to be more focused and careful with your breathing.

Walking
Always keep in mind that we were born to walk — it’s a natural exercise routine. In fact, walking for just an hour a week at a relaxed pace can already lessen the risk of heart disease. Brisk walking burns about as many calories as jogging a mile at a moderate pace. To get more out of a walking workout, walk briskly for half an hour every day, or for an hour four times a week. Also, make an effort to walk as often as you can — don’t take escalators and elevators; instead, take the stairs. Park your car further away, so that you can walk the rest of the distance. Whenever possible, add uphill climbs for a real challenge.