Fight the workout blues
Monday 08 March 2010
Laziness is an emotion that many of us have experienced when it comes to working out. Conquer that can’t-be-bovv’d attitude with these tips to get the most out of your workout.
Go for an outdoor run
Research has shown that jogging on the treadmill burns 5% fewer calories than running outdoors. The weather is improving which makes a run outdoors sound more appealing, wouldn’t you agree?! If you’re not up for running outdoors, exercise for slightly longer than you normally would on the treadmill.
Get some bangin’ tunes on your iPod
Update your iPod if you’re bored of your music. Some new tunes may spark a new, improved attitude towards working out within you. Check out our Closer Diets mix on iTunes!
Maintain good posture
Keep good posture when exercising - if you workout on an exercise bike, this particularly applies to you. Sammy Margo from the Society of Physiotherapists says you should balance your heel on one pedal and extend your other leg until your toes touch the floor to find the best saddle height for you. Meanwhile, exerting too much weight on the handlebars can strain your upper body, whilst leaning too far back can put too much pressure on your arms.
Exercise at night
If you can fit an exercise session in at night, research suggests it’s the best thing to do! Health and Fitness quotes Professor Tom Reilly from Liverpool John Moores University as saying: "Body temperature rises by a few degrees in the afternoon, warming the muscles and connective tissues, which contributes to an improvement in performance capabilities. Muscle strength is also better later in the day."
Work harder or longer
A sports expert from the University of Bedfordshire, John Brewer said: “You have two basic options if you want to get fitter, to increase the duration considerably or to raise the intensity.” Thirty minutes at 80% of your maximum aerobic capacity is a good workout! So, if you’ve only got half an hour to kill, watch that F.R.I.E.N.D.S repeat later on and get exercising!
By Anisa Kadri
Are you motivated yet?!