A plateau can mean your body is fighting to hang on to those last 10 or 15 pounds as a buffer against future starvation, especially if you've recently started cutting calories.
You can get better results — in the same amount of time — simply by increasing your intensity. Remember I don't recommend counting calories per se but, rather, making different food choices...that add up to better fuel, and less calories and fat!
Vigorous workouts signal your body to release those extra fat stores for energy.
To rev up the healthy way, try a 50-50 workout:
If you work out outdoors, do your usual activity, such as walking, but for only half the time; then finish with a new activity like bicycling, jogging, or jumping rope.
If you work out at a gym, try two diferent cardio machines (maybe a treadmill and an elliptical).
By switching exercises mid-workout, you'll stay fresh, challenge new muscles, and burn more calories because you can give 100% all over again.
In addition to bumping up intensity, check your food intake — you may be eating more calories than you realize.
Unconscious nibbling throughout the day can mean insidious calorie-additions — grabbing a few M&M's from your coworker's desk or taste-testing while you prepare dinner — it can all add up.
I suggest keeping a food diary to rein in excess calories and get the numbers on your scale moving in the right direction. Keep track, hire an accountability coach (I just happen to know one), and stay on track!
Lastly, put some new music on your i-pod playlist. Make sure your new songs have a good, strong beat that will inspire you to pick up the pace!
I like to save my new songs for the last half of my workout. I look forward to them and, when I'm halfway home, they give me the energy I need to finish my workout strong, instead of sauntering to the finish line!
As Tom Venuto would say, "Train hard, Eat right, Expect success!"
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