The Smooth 4.25 Folding Treadmill (fitness treadmills) represents the perfect solution for anyone looking for a simple, quiet and affordable treadmill. The Smooth Folding Treadmill is an ultra-compact treadmill made for fitness walking. With the capacity to reach speeds up to 8 mph, it’s great for light jogging too! Designed to fold down and then stand up, the Smooth 4.25 Folding Treadmill can be easily stored under a bed, in a closet or any place you have just 11″ X 29″ of floor space! The 4.25 looks stunning in any apartment, family room or as a standalone addition to an already crowded room. Comes 100% assembled and delivery is free. Order yours today!
The Smooth 4.25 Folding Treadmill Review
Be Lean, Mean: Tips for Buying those Fitness Equipment Machines
How do you regularly stay fit, healthy and flexible? A hale and hearty diet of nutritious fruits and vegetables is the key as well as regular and continuous exercise.
The best exercise is one that you are really and sincerely going to be working out on, be it push-ups, stretches, jumping jacks or the regular jogging or the much tamer walking. However, there are people who prefer to work out using fitness equipment in their own homes.
The following are a few basic and important things to consider when buying those exercise equipments.
Do not believe what you see and hear
At least not everything, it is good if you assess all those claims exercise equipments declare in their advertisements. It is so hard to accept as true for example some statements that assure people that they will lose several pounds off their weight in as little as seven days or that you will decrease your pants size in one month. Even with the assistance of dietary supplements, it is not possible to accomplish changes as major as these in just a few weeks, much less days.
Divers - Meet Your New Best Friend
Dive computers perform all of the calculations automatically with respect to decompression status. During a dive, the computer constantly tracks depth, dive time and no decompression time remaining. Dive Computers are great tools and you have a great selection to choose from. In the last few yeasr the watch models have really taken off and there is some good computers out there. Dive computers allow divers to perform complex dives with little planning. This may lead divers to exceed their competence and experience by relying too much on the computer rather than proper planning, discipline and monitoring.
Dive computers can provide useful measurements and monitor critical factors for divers making such dives possible. Dive computers are an alternative to decompression tables, but with an added edge. What a dive computer does is to continuously calculate the actual depth and time profile of the diver as they are diving.
Scuba computers, or dive computers, are compact digital devices which perform the task of nitrogen management without the need for a watch or dive tables. Combining a timer with a depth gauge, and intelligent software which computes absorption of gases, dive computers are popular with experienced recreational divers.
SUUNTO dive computers are intended for recreational use only. The demands of commercial or professional diving often expose the diver to depths and prolonged exposures including multi-day exposures that tend to increase the risk of decompression sickness. Suunto is the only manufacturer to display these two parameters determining the decompression stop range. Suunto considers these watches sophisticated dive computers, and only sells them through dive shops and related retail outlets.
Galileo by UWATEC dive computer is as revolutionary for diving as Galileo Galilei’s discoveries were for XVIIth century science. And science is the essence of Galileo. Gauge mode can be used either for freediving or technical diving. With freediving, the sampling rate for the log book can be set to one second intervals.
Handy Guide About Activated carbon filters
Activated carbon filters are really useful for a large variety of reasons and uses. One of the most absorbent materials goes into the making of activated carbon filters. Molecules stick to the outside of activated carbon, causing it to be extremely useful in filtering water, air, and many many other things. You will find activated carbon filters in air filters, drinking water filters, groundwater filtration, and a wide variety of other uses. Some other applications of activated carbon filters are filtering out of odors and hazardous environmental waste.
You can use activated carbon filters to tackle and cure allergies and chemical sensitivities. Activated carbon filters are used in air purifier system to remove dust, pollen, dander, mold, and a variety of other particles from the air you breathe, resulting in cleaner air and a healthier you. By using activated carbon filters, you can look forward to a better sleep, freedom from allergies and a generally healthy condition.
As mentioned earlier, activated carbon filters are an essential ingredient of water purifiers. The all important task of clearing off unwanted particles like dirt mold, and dissolved elements from the water that you drink, is performed by these filters. Ironically, bottled water is not a safe alternative as is widely accepted. In reality, bottled water is often not free from impurities, and even less safe than drinking water, so you can do so much better by employing an activated carbon filter.
A friend of mine used to suffer allergies all of the time. Constant sneezing was routine of the day for him, resulting in head congestion, itching of nose and puffy,red eyes. Some one suggested using activated carbon filter air purifier with a hepa filtration system also included. There is a down side to it though in that it makes quite a noise, and use of ear plugs is necessary when sleeping. It is worth the bother however, because beneficial effects of such a system far outweigh such minor irritants. Soon asthma.and allergies will be a thing of the past.
Check these blog posts - activated carbon water filters — do air purifiers work.
How to use the BOSU to get fit.
The BOSU is a phenomenal piece of physical exercise gear for getting in condition. Without doubt you have come across these half exercise balls. The top side is elliptical and the underside is flat. The term BOSU means "both sides utilized".
Exercising Your Core musculus grouping
Abdominal muscle works are the most regular uses for the BOSU. Merely sitting down upon the top of the BOSU dome and doing crunches will define your abdomen muscles, all the same, advanced movements alike sitting down on the top of the dome without hanging on and lifting your legs to scissor or flutter kick will somewhat improve your equilibrium and will help mould and define all muscles in your core. Hanging on to a medicine ball will as well escalate the abdominal workout in addition to.
Upper torso Strength Training
Press-ups can be really demanding with the BOSU. The trick to experiencing a major arm, chest and shoulder exercise is to utilize both sides of the BOSU. With the dome side downwards, start with orthodox press-ups, with your hands shoulder width apart whilst hanging on to the outermost edge of the flat side. The dome will be wobbly getting you to concentrate on your balance which puts to work the core whilst simultaneously exercising your shoulders and pectus. Downslope pushups can be accomplished by putting your feet on top of the dome. Placing your hands close together upon the top of the dome and doing several pushups will work your arms. And lastly, a lot of shoulder exercises can be executed by holding the BOSU above your head and performing shoulder presses.
Lower Body Exercises
The BOSU can be used very effectively for lower body exercises. The regular lunge is a superb exercise for your legs and gluteus muscle. Doing the exercise onto the BOSU, will make it a great deal more difficult. With the dome side up, merely do a lunge but land your foot on top of the dome. You are able to execute this exercise with weights or not. Squats are additional exercise that can be unkind on the BOSU. You’ll be able to actually perform squats with the dome side up or the dome side down. Whenever you place the dome downwards you will truly have to focus on your balance. Weights are nonobligatory in either example.
The BOSU can exercise every individual muscle group in your body. A lot of people who see a BOSU only consider in terms of what it can do for your abdominal muscle workout. It is true that it is among the most powerful tools to tone up your core muscle group. Even so, the BOSU can be utilized effectively to build your upper in addition to your lower body.
Exercise Result Using The Nintendo Console Wii
The console Wii is different than any other gaming console. Wii by Nintendo has the potential to provide more benefit than any other console, Wii puts the user in the action and causes more activity than any other video game console. Wii consoles are being used in recreation centers and even old age homes for warmup and a means of physical therapy. The Wii Console is bridging generations in it’s use and playability.
Kudos to the Nintendo Console Wii.
Video Game systems have long been utilised to keep families engaged. As each new platform is brought out, the graphics and the game play options just seem to get better and better. Quantum improvements in play have jumped even further ahead with the Wii Console.
Over the years the mass popularity of video game consoles has caused a profound shift in being overweight of those playing video games on a consistent basis. Video game pioneers Nintendo have apparantly solved the problems of sedentary gamers.
The Console Wii Helps With Your Fitness. Using The Console Wii Is The Answer To Sedentary Gamers.
The Nintendo Console Wii has forever changed how video games are played. With the technological marvel Wii Remote(Wiimote) you have to literally act out the actions within a game. So for example if you are playing tennis, you’ll have to use the Wii Console controller and pretend an actual tennis raquet is in your hand as you swing. You would then proceed to hit the virtual tennis ball that you can see on the TV. The Wii console tennis game if played properly, has the potential to burn calories, another reason for its popularity.
Now not all of the games are designed with physical fitness in mind. So if you are seeking games that will help to keep you active then sticking to the activity based Wii console games such as tennis, golf and bowling will be your best option. Games such as Super Mario are not really going to test your weight loss that much so you should be wary of this when you next go looking for a good Wii console game to keep you fit.
You can get an amazing workout going on with the Wii Tennis game. Testing has shown that in 30 minutes, you might burn up upwards of 100 calories. You can also choose to play against more advanced players and that will further help you to burn off more calories. So the Wii console is definitely better for fitness than any other console and it is great for both children and adults alike.
There is a real problem in this day and age with children and obesity. Therefore by providing them a Wii console to keep them occupied, you can really help to make them a lot fitter. Long gone are the days when playing on a computer console meant lazing around for hours on end. Interaction, engagement of mind body and spirit are part of video gaming. Can it get any better than that?
If you are concerned about your fitness then 30 minutes exercise each day should really help you out. If you don’t want to spend the afternoon walking or lifting weights then playing for half an hour on the Wii is certainly a good idea.
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Yes you can Download Games For Nintendo Console Wii Join The Revolution With The Wii Console. Find Ideas For Constructing The Ultimate Nintendo System Wii Room Check It Out
The Joys of Pit bike ownership
When I first was looking for a pit bike for sale I was not sure at all what to look for, I just thought ‘oh that will be an awesome thing to own’ so I went out and had a look around a few local pit bike showrooms, but found nothing I liked. Typically they tried to sell it me but I was not up for it at all. Anyway I went online and started searching the 10 odd big 125cc pit bike selling sites.
I checked out one called ghoul rider another called my pure rush (which had good branding
and decided on a good bike. I went ahead and brought the pit bike and ever since all I have had is fun. Cars SEO fun is where I found the link - bloody useful ![]()
Performance Lifestyle - healthy energetic high achieving living
What area of our life can we change that will make the most impact allow our life to be a fun more energetic life purpose filled life?
We all know that eating has become a comforter for many of us. Food is promoted to us in a way that we see it as a fix all a pleasing and exciting life event. Eating is not an emotional fix we are not to use food to emotionally bring us out of a slump the food industry would like for us to rely on there products in that manner it keeps there profits high.
>> http://www.smartfitnesstips.com/go/performancelifestyle
Eating is a fueling process and if we decide to share that time with family great however for the wellbeing of our family and loved ones it should always be just that a fueling process. The fuel that we choose should be the proper fuel. Doritos are not a fuel in my opinion and many others who have removed the Marketing Propaganda equation, know that it is not a food. Fuel yourself up wisely educate yourself properly.
>> http://www.smartfitnesstips.com/go/performancelifestyle
It is very important for your overall wellbeing that you realize that food is either cleansing or clogging. Food is fuel it either is high octane or sludge. Be in the know educate yourself on what is nutrient rich.
>> http://www.smartfitnesstips.com/go/performancelifestyle
Another avenue to enhancing your entire life is a complete makeover learn what should be and unlearn what the marketing industry has taught us. This is a great resource that will transform many of us into high performing superstars or at least get us on the right track. You will take it as far as you need to for your life superstar or on track in tune living.
Make your life flow live in the moment experience higher levels of love wealth and health. It is all right here.
>> http://www.smartfitnesstips.com/go/performancelifestyle
Totally Free Newsletter Secrets to healthy fun and energetic living!
Heart Matters
Your heart is between one to two times the size of your clenched fist. Contrary to popular belief, it is not located to one side of the body - it is located almost in the exact center of your chest. Due to the shape of the heart and chest cavity, the heart pounds against the chest wall on your left side, so the heart rate is stronger when felt there. Your heart is responsible for pumping about six quarts of blood throughout your body, with about the same amount of force that the average person applies when squeezing a tennis ball. The heart is not under voluntary control. A system known as the autonomic nervous system, which includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for regulating your heart rate.
There are many ways to measure how healthy a heart is. A healthy heart should beat with a fairly regular rhythm that will change based on levels of exertion and oxygen requirements. A healthy heart has a high stroke volume, which refers to the amount of blood that is pumped out with each beat. A healthy heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood, so the resting heart rate of a healthy heart will be lower than average. Blood pressure is another indicator of heart health and should be in the healthy range of around 120 over 80, as determined by the national average.
Various types of training have different effects on the heart. Training that elevates the heart rate for even brief durations can increase the size of the heart. This will increase the stroke volume, and result in a lower resting heart rate. Training can also increase the rate at which the heart recovers from a bout of intense work. In other words, a trained individual will return to their resting heart rate faster than a sedentary individual. Exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure. In addition, regular cardiovascular exercise can increase the concentration of hemoglobin in blood, allowing the body to become more efficient at transporting oxygen to the cells that need it (as well as removing waste products such as carbon dioxide).
The average resting heart rate for an adult is around 72 beats per minute, or 75 for women and 70 for men. The lowest recorded heart rate is 28 beats per minute, attributed to a Spanish cyclist named Miguel Indurain. Many athletes have resting heart rates between the mid 30’s and mid 40’s. Bradycardia refers to a resting heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. It is simply a name for the condition of a slow heart, and does not imply an unhealthy heart or disease. Tachycardia refers to a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute, and is considered a very dangerous condition to have.
The notion of maximum heart rate was designed to help people safely and effectively exercise. The maximum heart rate is theoretically the most times that your heart can safely beat in the span of one minute. The traditional formula for computing maximum heart rate is 220 - age. I am 29, so my maximum heart rate would be computed at 191 beats per minute. As you can see, maximum heart rate will decrease with age.
It has been speculated that the generic equation for determining maximum heart rate is not very accurate. Individuals of the same age will have different sized hearts, stroke volume, blood pressure, resting heart rates, and other factors that would contribute to the maximum possible beats per minute. A few attempts have been made to “fine tune” the formula, but even those efforts may fall short. One formula is known as the “adjusted heart rate”. It involves removing the resting heart rate from the maximum before applying a target formula. For example, if my target heart rate were 193, 80% of my maximum would be 154 beats per minute. In other words, my “target” heart rate at 80% is 154 beats. Using the adjusted method, I would first subtract my resting heart rate, apply the percentage, then add it back in. So, in this example:
193 (maximum heart rate) - 39 (resting heart rate) = 154.
154 x 80% = 123.
123 + 39 (adding resting heart rate back) = 162.
Therefore, instead of the traditional 154 beats per minute, my “adjusted target” at 80% would be 162 beats per minute. Another “tweak” to the traditional formula is known as the Tanaka method. Based on a study of literally thousands of individuals, a new formula was devised which is believed to be more accurate. The formula is 208 - 0.7 x age. Using this formula, my maximum heart rate when I was 27 would have been 208 - 0.7 x 27 = 189, or about 3 beats per minute less than the traditional formula.
So why even worry about your heart rate? Heart rate is a great indicator of training. In order to better understand heart rate, you must understand the various “systems” of energy that your body uses when you train. There are three systems that are always in effect, but one system will dominate based on the type of training. These systems are ATP-CP and glycolytic (both are anaerobic, or systems that do not rely on oxygen as the primary energy source) and aerobic.
The ATP-CP system is the system that bodybuilders are most familiar with. It is the system where your body is forced to perform work without the aid of oxygen. When you perform a repetition during a weight training exercise, your muscles contract and must generate force quickly to resist the weight. This action happens quickly, and your body is not able to use oxygen to fuel the contraction. Instead, your body will rely on stores of energy within the muscle cells, namely a compound called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate. ATP depletes rapidly, and is replenished by CP. Sports that rely on this system include power lifting, shot put, and short distance sprints.
Bouts of work lasting more than a few seconds will draw energy mainly from the glycolytic system. Once ATP and CP are depleted, the glycolytic system kicks in. This system takes carbohydrate stored in the muscle cell (glycogen) and breaks down the glycogen to replenish ATP. Sports that utilize the glycolytic system include mid-distance sprinting, basketball, volleyball, boxing, and football. These are all sports that involve prolonged periods of moderate activity mixed with short bouts of near maximal effort.
Marathon runners and other distance runners use the aerobic system. The aerobic system utilizes oxygen for energy. The blood transports oxygen, so this system has the largest influence on the heart. Any type of activity that is prolonged (more than a few minutes) and does not involve repeated bouts of near maximal effort would use the aerobic system as the primary source of energy. Keep in mind that all systems are being used, but the aerobic system becomes the predominant system.
The rate at which your heart is pumping can help indicate which energy system is dominant at any given period of time. This is where the maximum heart rate and target heart rates become useful. Traditionally, training “zones” have been determined based on percentage of the target heart rate. The common breakdown of these training zones is:
50% - 60% = low intensity
60% - 70% = fat-burning zone
70% - 80% = aerobic zone
80% - 90% = anaerobic zone
90% - 100% = maximal zone
The low intensity zone is ideal for burning calories without stressing your body. If you are recovering from a workout or an injury, on a reduced-calorie diet, or looking to burn additional calories with minimal impact on muscle gains, this a great zone to work out in. Brisk walking on an incline is an ideal way to reach this zone, and the main drawback is time. It takes the longest amount of time to burn a given number of calories when training in this zone.
The fat-burning zone is what I consider the land of myth. This is the most misunderstood zone in training. When you are at 60 to 70 percent of your target heart rate, the majority of your calories burned will come from fat, during that training session. Over 65% of your burned calories can come from fat. Due to this trivial fact, many people believe that this is the necessary zone to burn fat. This is not necessarily true. Any time you create a caloric deficit, or expend more calories than you consume, you will lose weight in the form of fat and/or muscle mass. While other systems may burn less percentage of fat, they can burn more calories and therefore result in greater fat loss!
As an example, let’s talk about the “aerobic zone.” In this zone, intensity increases, so less of your calories are burned from fat. However, due to the increased intensity, you burn more calories per minute. Does this mean that you should avoid the aerobic zone if fat loss is your goal? Let’s break this down.
It is estimated that 45% of calories in the “aerobic zone” are burned from fat. Let’s say you run 6mph to reach the “fat-burning zone” and you run 9mph to reach the “aerobic zone”.
In one hour, you will run either 6 miles or 9 miles. According to research, a 175-pound person burns on average about 34 calories per mile. So, in one hour, you might burn:
6 x 34 = 204 calories, or
9 x 34 = 306 calories
In the fat-burning zone, you burned 65% of your calories from fat. This is 204 x .65 = 133 calories from fat.
In the aerobic zone, you burned 45% of your calories from fat. This is 306 x .45 = 138 calories.
As you can see, getting comfortable and going into the “fat burning” zone actually burned fewer calories. You might say, “What’s the big deal? It was only 5 calories difference.” But when you take into account total calories, you burned over 100 more calories in the aerobic zone. Since total calories expended have the largest impact on the amount of fat you will lose, obviously the aerobic method will result in more fat loss (provided you also resistance train so that you are not losing muscle) than the “fat-burning” method.
The fat-burning zone and below used the aerobic system. In the aerobic zone, you are still using the aerobic system of energetics, but may see a shift towards the glycolytic system. Once you reach 80%, you are venturing into the glycolytic and ATP-CP zones (over 90% is going to be predominantly ATP-CP). So heart rate relative to your maximum heart rate can help understand where your fuel is coming from and even how many calories you will burn. What is interesting to note is that the longer you sustain an elevated heart rate (i.e. aerobic zone or higher), the longer it takes for your body to recover by slowing down. This means you continue to have a faster metabolism and to burn more calories even after your training is done!
I mentioned these “traditional” zones because I don’t like to follow tradition when it comes to monitoring heart rate. For one, I feel that perceived effort is just as valid an indicator. Why limit yourself based on a “zone” you must workout in, when you can simply push yourself to achieve your results! Another problem with the traditional method is that it does not take into account errors with the heart rate calculations - should I train in the same zone as someone whose resting heart rate is 75 beats per minute (my own resting heart rate is around 39 beats per minute)? I don’t think so - I think that the lower resting heart rate is an indicator of advanced fitness and means that I can train more intensely. What if your heart is maxing out at 170 beats per minute instead of 193? Should you still “push the limit” because the equation tells you to? I don’t think so.
Heart rate can still be a useful tool for training, but you must learn to use your body as the tool, not the equation. For example, if you want to understand what your anaerobic zone is, instead of plugging away at a formula, why not perform anaerobic work? I can guarantee that you will be using your ATP-CP system (a completely anaerobic system) when you perform a one-rep max. So instead of taking 90% of 220 minus your age, just strap on a heart rate monitor the next time you perform a maximum lift. Then, instead of relying on statistics, your body will tell you what your “anaerobic” zone is. This may not be traditional, but do you think your heart will lie?
Once you have this useful information, you can apply it to your training. If you are performing high intensity interval training, and would rather have your heart dictate the intervals than your perception, let your body be the guide. Start by walking on an incline for several minutes. This is your low intensity zone. Now go outside and perform an all-out sprint. This will be your high intensity zone. Now you simply build intervals between those two heart rates for your training. Again, no equation that has no clue what the size of your heart is or what your blood chemistry is like - let your body be the tool.
As a final note, heart rate can apply to resistance training as well. If you are looking to reduce body fat, calories are king. Should you rest 15 seconds? 1 minute? How about staying in the “aerobic” zone? Pick a target rate for your training. Your “75% effort” (somewhere between your sprinting and incline walking) could be the bottom line. Simply rest until your heart rate drops to that level, and then perform the next set. This will ensure your heart rate is always elevated to a minimal level while allowing sufficient recovery to move on. When you are training for strength or heavy lifts, how long should you rest? 3 minutes? 10 minutes? Again, why not let your body decide. Rest until you fall to the fat-burning zone or even less, then start the next set. For you, this may only take 2 minutes, while another person will recover after 10 minutes of rest. The key is that your body is telling you when sufficient recovery has taken place to perform the next set - not some rigid standard like “4 minutes” that doesn’t take into account your specific, individual recovery ability.
When you are training, don’t forget the most important muscle: your heart. Not only is it an indicator of health, it is a tool that can help to improve your health. Instead of relying on cookie-cutter formulas, you can use your heart as an interactive gauge to tailor your workouts to your own unique body. Learn that the heart matters and use the powerful information it provides to build your peak physique.
Jeremy Likness is an International Health Coach and motivational speaker. After losing 65 pounds of fat, he discovered his true vision to coach thousands around the world to better health. A Certified Fitness Trainer and Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Jeremy is the author of the internationally-selling e-Book, Lose Fat, Not Faith and the companion 5-CD set. Jeremy has been published in major online publications including Tom Venuto’s Fitness Renaissance and Bodybuilding.com. Jeremy’s approach is unique because he focuses on fitness from the inside out. Visit Jeremy online at Natural Physiques.
Cardio Queen Syndrome
By now you are well aware that increased activity burns calories and fat. Exercise is essential to your health and well being, but could you be taking part in too much of a good thing? The old adage, more is not always better, is a good rule to live by.
When it comes to fat loss, you need to be in tune with your body and learn how to listen to it. The idea behind fat loss is to manipulate the body often. As long as you are a step ahead of your body’s actions, you will be on top of the fat loss game.
What exactly does that mean? How do you stay a step ahead of your body? Let’s explore this concept a little further.
Megan is an e-client of mine. When she began her fat loss endeavor she started cardio six days a week for forty-five minutes and saw great results in a matter of weeks. Her new cardio program was exhilarating. It pumped her up mentally and physically and gave her a newfound energy she hadn’t felt in years.
It wasn’t long before she extended her forty-five minute ritual to an entire hour for six days a week. With the extended time, she saw even more results. She was delighted.
Eventually, the daily hour cardio chore was wearing on her. Her changes ceased, she was constantly fatigued, and began to hate cardio with an intense passion.
To combat the plateau, she added yet…more cardio on top of fatigue and hatred for exercise. Her grueling hour sessions turned into an hour and fifteen minutes to even longer, an hour and a half.
Nothing is more aggravating than putting all your time and effort into something that takes you no where.
Her fat loss results stalled dead in their tracks and even seemed to reverse. How could something once so productive now be destroying her weight loss efforts?
What may surprise you is that excess cardio can be counterproductive. Any cardio or weight training session lasting over a continuous hour does more harm than good.
Keep Cardio Productive
Cardio is heart healthy and it’s a great exercise, but if your goal with cardio is to burn fat, you need to take it with a stride and make it fat burning productive.
I come across many ladies who are quite active. This is all fine and dandy, but when they are active and top that with teaching spinning classes, kickboxing, high energy videos, and general cardio machines, this can be a recipe for disaster, setting your further back than when you started.
Don’t go overboard with cardio. Keep it simple, yet effective.
Cardio Intensity
Cardio intensity is a factor to keep fat burning beneficial. This does not mean to do an all out killer cardio routine that leaves you crawling from the gym in a near death status, but to simply shake things up a bit to force the body to respond.
A good way to master cardio is with HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). There are many variations of HIIT and my favorite is the 2/2 ratio.
Example of 2/2 Ratio HIIT
Minutes 1-2 - Warm up
Minutes 3-4 - Low intensity
Minutes 5-6 - High intensity
Minutes 7-8 - Low intensity
Minutes 9-10 - High Intensity
Minutes 11-12 - Low intensity
Minutes 13-14 - High intensity
Minutes 15-16 - Low intensity
Minutes 17-18 - High Intensity
Minutes 19-20 - Low intensity
Minutes 21-22 - Cool down
With HIIT, your body never falls in a rut because you are constantly changing the intensity to prevent cardio adaptation.
Progressive Cardio
Another successful cardio tactic to use is Progressive Cardio. Your body can adapt to anything in a short amount of time and Progressive Cardio can stop adaptation before it occurs. Progressive Cardio is simply increasing your cardio each week by either the numbers of day or the amount of time to invite change and prevent staleness, provided you don’t overdo it.
Example of Progressive Cardio
Week 1 - 4 times a week for 20 minutes
Week 2 - 4 times a week for 25 minutes
Week 3 - 5 times a week for 25 minutes
Week 4 - 5 times a week for 30 minutes
You will notice how each week is a step advanced from the previous. This is how you make cardio work in your favor to burn fat.
Adopt Weight Training
Have you even seen someone in the gym doing endless hours of cardio and still look soft and unfit? That is because she is lacking lean muscle, which is built from weight training and excessive cardio burns muscle.
Weight training builds lean muscle mass. The more muscle you add to your frame, the less you need to rely on cardio. Muscle is metabolically active and allows you to burn more calories at rest and at play. Of course, this does not mean to kick cardio to the curve, but having a balance of both in your program will keep things interesting and will give much better body transformation results.
Summary
Once you understand how you can manipulate cardio, you will be able to master the fat burning game. Realize that you don’t need three or four different cardio methods stacked on top of one another. Just use cardio wisely and you will have the advantage. Remember, cardio is a fat loss tool, not the determining factor.
Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988. She embarked on weight training to overcome an eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa in its early stages. She overcame the eating disorder, received her personal training certificate, competed in many local bodybuilding contests, and qualified for Nationals. Since then she’s went on to write six e-books (weight loss, female bodybuilding, contest preparation, leg training, figure/fitness secrets, and cellulite removal). She writes articles for several fitness websites, as well as her own, www.theelitephysique.com, and also distributes a monthly e-newsletter. She has a very active and lively forum, filled with positive and supportive people with informative content. Karen’s sole goal is to educate others and help them apply that knowledge.