Turn up your workout routine

So, you’ve finally found time to “squeeze” in a workout at least a few times a week and you are ready to amp up your routine.  How can you get the most out of your workout within your scheduled time allotted? Start by thinking…Go harder, not longer.

First, access how much time you have available to workout. Then, adjust your workout accordingly. My thoughts immediately went to running or walking, but this can be applied to the bike, elliptical, stair stepper or a cardio workout outdoors.

30-Minute Treadmill Workout (Apply to Running or Walking)

0-2 mins. Warm-up

2-5 mins. Turn the incline up- to the highest possible option 12-15 (typically)

5-7 mins. Turn the incline down one level i.e. 15 to 14, speed up one. For example 4.2- 4.3

·      Continue this pattern 9 more times over the course of 2-minute intervals. Decreasing your incline and increasing your speed.

25-27 mins. Turn up your speed (keep your incline the same. If needed, bring it down to 1) you should be walking or running at your absolute max!

27-28 mins. Bring it down to a fast paced walk

28-30 mins Incline returns to 0. Slow down your pace to your warm up pace, and continue to descend the pace in the last 30 seconds.

Be certain to take a minute or two to stay right where you are and stretch through your legs, hips, shoulders, as stretching is just as important as the workout itself to help repair and strengthen your muscles.