Debbie Tebbs and Dana Anderson, instructors from The Gymbox, give some cardio workout tips.
Cardiovascular exercise is necessary if you want to burn fat, but most people
hate cardio workouts. That is because most people associate exercise with pushing so hard that you
puke. However, working out at that kind of intensity actually burns less fat than if you take it down a
couple of levels. Your body actually has 5 workout zones that are based on your heart rate. The lower
heart rate zones 1 and 2 actually burn more fat! A good workout schedule will have you spending time
in each one of the zones during the week.
THE 5 WORKOUT ZONES
Zone 1 - Walk in place/march. What is it good for? Usually good for a warm up or cool down.
Zone 2 - Reverse lunges. What is it good for? Burning fat, building aerobic strength - basically getting
more fit.
Zone 3 - More intense lunges. What is it good for? This is your aerobic zone, which means you are
not burning fat anymore. Pushes your anaerobic threshold higher so the next time you work out you
can stay in a fat burning zone longer. Increases your general day to day fitness.
Zone 4 - Lunge with a knee lift/hop What is it good for? This is the zone people picture when they
think of cardio. Because it is hard, it is mentally rewarding. It also allows you to build your intensity
so that you can work out harder next time. It burns tons of calories.
Zone 5 - No exercise here. This is a zone most people won't explore. It is for elite athletes. You can't
stay in this zone.
Whether on The Gymbox, at the gym, or just outside on your own you need to mix it up.
Resistance training at least 2 days a week (wait a day in between) and cardio at least 3 days per week -but don't hold back.
For more information on The Gymbox visit
www.TheGymBox.com.
