- Plyoplyoplyo!
Get jumping, bounding and sprinting! Plyometrics are known to be a great way to get toned and lean. Plyometrics are explosive compound movements that help burn fat, build muscle and increase speed. Bounding, jumping, skipping, sprinting and hopping are just some examples of Plyometric training.
Plyometric training exercises our fast twitch muscle fibers, which are our larger, stronger fibers that are associated with strength and speed. The explosive movements involved build the muscle, while the sudden increase and decrease of the heart’s rate burns more calories than a heart rate that stays constant. So by incorporating Plyometric training you will see results in your weight, speed, muscle power and strength.
Next time you’re about to exercise try this quick and easy Plyo Workout, I guarantee you will be feeling sore the next day!
Plyo Workout:
- Box Jumps – 3 sets / 10 reps
- Body Weight Squat Jumps – 3 sets / 10 reps
- Sprinting – 10 mins of 30 sec sprint, 1 min walk
- Alternate Leg Bounding – 3 sets / 20 reps
- Skipping – 3 sets / 10 double jumps
- Mind-muscle-mind
It’s all about your mind and muscle connection! Your mind plays a large role in your workout results. You might think this is too crazy to be true, but the mind is the most powerful tool in your body. The mind controls how hard you can push yourself and for how long you can go. I’m sure you have heard a personal trainer say “it’s all in your mind” and “mind over matter”. Well they say it because it’s true!
For the best results you have to put your mind in your muscle. When you are exercising you should always be thinking about what you are doing. For example, when you are doing a bicep curl, your mind should be focusing on squeezing that muscle to its maximum. Or when you are doing squats and you think you can’t do another one, you have to think about pushing through the pain.
Visualizing your success is a proven way to accomplish your goal. If you can see yourself doing extra 10 sprints, then you are more likely to be able to do it. Arnold Schwarzenegger was said to picture gigantic mountain peaks while performing bicep curls and we all know how big his biceps were! So learning to enhance your mind-muscle connection can really accelerate your gains.
- The gym – meh!
You don’t have to go to the gym to lose weight. If you are one of those people who feels intimidated by all the meat heads in the weights rooms, don’t worry, it’s common and there are other workout options. Classes are a great way to lose weight; our favourites are body pump, body attack and spin. What’s great about classes is that you don’t have to think, just follow the instructor, plus they usually only run for 60 minutes. Also sports are a fun and social way to lose weight. Join a local tennis or soccer club and meet people while exercising. This way you get the best of both worlds.