Fitness:the Best Workout Ever(2nd Part)
C. Strength training with dumbbells
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After your bodyweight workout you are warm and ready for the dumbbells.
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I choose dumbbells because they are much more convenient to use and store.
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Now the biggest mistake with weight training is that generally very few people use enough weights to properly tax their muscles.
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Thousands of people “play†with 5Kg dumbbells with minimal impact in their strength and muscularity.
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Probably this is because of the big myth/fallacy that more repetitions will lead to a better definition. This is nonsense. Definition will come only with fat loss.
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So please stop losing your valuable time and choose weights heavy enough to put decent stress on your muscles.
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For maximum results please take into account the following principles:
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1) Try to avoid isolation movements e.g. biceps curls, triceps extension etc. You will get much more profit if you execute compound exercises with the participation of multiple joints.
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2) Choose a weight which will permit you to do about 8 repetitions with an impeccable style. Right style is much more important that heavier weights.
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3) To gain more time try to exercise with the participation of both your hands or legs.
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4) Don’t lose your time with weighted crunches or similar stuff.
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The best exercises with dumbbells
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1) Overhead presses for shoulders (avoid extensions)
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2) Squats or lunges for quads, glutes, hamstrings
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3) Deadlifts for back, glutes, hamstrings
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4) Chest presses and chest flies for chest
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5) Bent over two armed dumbbell rows for back.
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That’s all!
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Don’t search for exotic, glamorous exercises!
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You are already in the paradise!
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You can do tenths of variations of these exercises but do respect the basics.
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For 10 minutes do as many sets as possible with minimal breaks and alternating between upper and lower body exercises.
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This is a tough workout which combines anaerobic with aerobic exercise.
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Your pulse will climb up to around 150 beats, especially when you are doing the shoulder presses.
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This workout is excellent for fat loss purposes.
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D) H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training)
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H.I.I.T. is a nice way to burn calories and lose fat in limited time.
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I won’t claim that H.I.I.T. is a panacea.
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Long, medium to high intensity has definitely its’ place in a fat-loss programme.
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Though, for our workout which is scheduled for really busy people, H.I.I.T. is the king hands down.
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Before you proceed, make sure that you are fit enough and you have a clearance from your doctor.
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D1. If you are at home…
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The best option is stairs climbing. You will need at least 3 floors.
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Climbing vigorously will be your energy burst and going down in a relaxed manner your active recovery phase. There are tenths of versions you can do H.I.I.T. by adjusting:
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- burst duration
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- recovery duration
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- intensity
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- total duration etc.
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Specifically for stairs climbing you can:
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- walk up or run up
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- cover one – two stairs / strides etc.
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Start conservatively, gradually build up your speed and continue for 10 minutes.
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At the end your pulse should reach 160-180 beats.
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D2. If you are outdoors…
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Try 60m all-out sprints. They should last round 12 sec, not more. Walk back for recovery. Do this 8 times.
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Alternatively you could run for 30″ and jog back in a relaxed manner. Repeat this 6 times.
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Again there are endless variations.
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D3. If you are in the gym…
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You can execute your H.I.I.T. programme on a treadmill, elliptical or bike.
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E. Cooling down
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Take cooling down seriously. For 2-3 minutes decrease gradually your exercise intensity. Your heart rate should come down to 100-110 beats. Lactic acid and other waste products will be removed and adrenaline will be reduced.
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Do some static stretching for all your taxed muscle groups. 1×20″ for each muscle group is a must.
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EPILOGUE
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This workout really makes wonders and is ideal for busy and determined people. To fully reap its’ benefits:
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- Do it 3 times a week
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- Adopt an active lifestyle and perform some lighter activities in your free days.
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- Adopt a sound nutrition plan.
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Think about it…
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You don’t need money!
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You don’t need much time!
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You don’t need a gym!
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You only need…
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- Fitness which you can acquire relatively easily
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- Knowledge: abundant and accessible
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- Guts and self-discipline.
You can read 1st part in this article base
Chris Strogilis
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http://totalfitness-christos.blogspot.com/
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Civil engineer with postgraduate studies in MBA and Marketing