Cosmetic Luxury

VARY YOUR WORKOUTS
When you’re on the treadmill – or even running outside, for that matter – do you do the same thing every time? The same route, the same distance, the same time? While your consistency and disciple is certainly admirable, it might actually do you a few favours to vary your workouts.

STARTING AT THE GYM AGAIN? DON’T OVERDO IT.
Before we go flying back into trying the way we used to, it’s important to acknowledge that many of us won’t have set foot in a gym for a very long time.

Decide whether to keep the new average or incrementally increase it for the next two weeks.

Cardio At Home
Cardio brings to mind images of a stretch of road with bicycles coursing by or a treadmill in a gym. Cardio doesn’t have to be done outdoors or at the gym. There are plenty of cardio exercises that you can do at home.

When To Do Cardio
There are two parts to this tip. The first one refers to the time of day in which you should do cardio. Some research shows that when you do cardio before breakfast you burn more fat, however, the main thing is to simply do your workout.

Intensity Is The Key
At a gym I used to frequent, there was a young woman who would come in every day to do cardio. At least I think she came in every day. I saw her whenever I was there.

Stop and Go
Use interval training to increase workout intensity and maximize results. Alternate periods of all-out effort with periods of low effort or rest.

Hands Free
When using a piece of cardio equipment don't hold onto the handrail. Just let go and pump the arms forward and back, not across the body (which will reduce the effectiveness of a workout)

Increase the Incline
Instead of running on a flat road or treadmill, head for the hills or bump up the incline. Running uphill will send the heart rate through the roof and increase the calorie burn. Some added benefits include improved leg strength, running form and spring speed.