Health News
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
I?m always hearing from people who have a lot of interest in exercising, but not a lot of time. It IS a real problem, without an easy answer. But there?s at least one way to boost your fitness without spending more time ? and that?s with a strategy called ?interval training.?
Interval training can work if you?re a beginner or have an established workout routine. The goal is to incorporate more rigorous intervals for a few minutes, throughout your exercise, to boost your calorie burn, without adding more time.
Always check with your doctor before changing your present physical activity plan, or if you?re just beginning a new exercise routine. For starters, ?pick up the pace? of whatever activity you?re doing, just for a minute or two. Walking outdoors? Try a slow jog. On a treadmill? Adjust the speed or the incline. On an elliptical or bike? Turn up the resistance. You get the picture.
You?ll want to feel challenged for a minute or two, then turn back to your original pace, gradually lengthening your interval to about 5 minutes or so. That?s the do-it-yourself version to start, but if you enjoy this type of exercise, seek the advice of an exercise physiologist or certified trainer to develop a specific interval training plan to optimize your fitness routine.
An added plus? Independent of the fitness benefits of interval training, many people just like to ?shake up? their activity ? which can help you stick with any exercise plan!
What do you think of interval training?
- Today Is National Run At Work Day!
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromAre you one of those people who never can find the time to exercise? Are you so busy with your daily activities that a regular run or walk isn?t even on your radar? If so, the national campaign called Run At Work Day might interest...
- The Balancing Act: How To Train For Your Race Without Letting It Take Over Your Life
By Carolyn Simitz Walking around your office with bags of ice strapped to your shins? Talking PRs and negative splits with your 8-year-old? Sleeping on the couch because your spouse can?t stomach another 4:30 a.m. run? Stop! You may need a training intervention!...
- Personalize Your Fitness Routine
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?d like to end this month of weight loss tips and tools on an ?active? note. How about learning one of the easiest ways to choose a fitness routine that can really work for you over the long term? When it comes to activity,...
- Fitness 3 Ways
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When you think of ?exercise? or ?fitness? what comes to mind? A sweaty workout, leaving you exhausted? Think again! An active lifestyle comes in many forms. What?s known as ?activity of daily living? is the foundation of a healthy...
- Are You Exercising Enough?
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When it comes to physical activity, there?s a lot of confusion about what the ?right? amount is to support good health. It?s time to set the record straight! Guidelines for daily physical activity are translated from scientific...
Health News
Boost Your Activity With Interval Training!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
I?m always hearing from people who have a lot of interest in exercising, but not a lot of time. It IS a real problem, without an easy answer. But there?s at least one way to boost your fitness without spending more time ? and that?s with a strategy called ?interval training.?
Interval training can work if you?re a beginner or have an established workout routine. The goal is to incorporate more rigorous intervals for a few minutes, throughout your exercise, to boost your calorie burn, without adding more time.
Always check with your doctor before changing your present physical activity plan, or if you?re just beginning a new exercise routine. For starters, ?pick up the pace? of whatever activity you?re doing, just for a minute or two. Walking outdoors? Try a slow jog. On a treadmill? Adjust the speed or the incline. On an elliptical or bike? Turn up the resistance. You get the picture.
You?ll want to feel challenged for a minute or two, then turn back to your original pace, gradually lengthening your interval to about 5 minutes or so. That?s the do-it-yourself version to start, but if you enjoy this type of exercise, seek the advice of an exercise physiologist or certified trainer to develop a specific interval training plan to optimize your fitness routine.
An added plus? Independent of the fitness benefits of interval training, many people just like to ?shake up? their activity ? which can help you stick with any exercise plan!
What do you think of interval training?
- Today Is National Run At Work Day!
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromAre you one of those people who never can find the time to exercise? Are you so busy with your daily activities that a regular run or walk isn?t even on your radar? If so, the national campaign called Run At Work Day might interest...
- The Balancing Act: How To Train For Your Race Without Letting It Take Over Your Life
By Carolyn Simitz Walking around your office with bags of ice strapped to your shins? Talking PRs and negative splits with your 8-year-old? Sleeping on the couch because your spouse can?t stomach another 4:30 a.m. run? Stop! You may need a training intervention!...
- Personalize Your Fitness Routine
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom I?d like to end this month of weight loss tips and tools on an ?active? note. How about learning one of the easiest ways to choose a fitness routine that can really work for you over the long term? When it comes to activity,...
- Fitness 3 Ways
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When you think of ?exercise? or ?fitness? what comes to mind? A sweaty workout, leaving you exhausted? Think again! An active lifestyle comes in many forms. What?s known as ?activity of daily living? is the foundation of a healthy...
- Are You Exercising Enough?
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom When it comes to physical activity, there?s a lot of confusion about what the ?right? amount is to support good health. It?s time to set the record straight! Guidelines for daily physical activity are translated from scientific...