Mix It Up!

I haven't been very diligent about posting....but have been diligent about working out! I am realizing what classes I like and which instructors I prefer. As mentioned in a previous post, Shirley is a wonderful instructor. I was fortunate to speak to her yesterday about exercise, weight training and all that goes into being a healthy and fit person. She has many years of experience and knowledge as a personal trainer, and aerobics instructor including: Pilate's, kick boxing and yoga. She also has a black belt in karate. And she is super nice besides!

In Shirley's cardio fusion class she starts promptly at 9:00 and you go strong until 9:40. She doesn't stop for water breaks like some of the instructors. You keep moving without breaks! I have figured out what to expect in her class. She warms you up with some easier movements and then away you GO! Cardio Fusion is a combination step aerobics, aerobics and kick boxing. The moves continue to get more challenging as the class progresses, and a couple times (sometimes more) during the class she does "double time" this is simply doing what you were doing only FAST! This gets your heart rate into HIGH gear!  We had discussed the benefits of mixing it up. One's body gets use to the same types of exercise, so it is important to change your exercise in order to keep your body working at its optimum potential, and in order to achieve the best results. It is also important to push yourself and vary the intensity at which you work out. Thus the double time! If you walk, speed things up every 10 minutes or so. Even run or jog for 30 seconds or for a couple of blocks. Do this as often as you can in order to maximize your walk. You will burn more calories and will continue to burn them after your walk.

Another very interesting thing Shirley shared with me, was the value and benefit of weight training. She said that when you lift weights you continue to burn calories for up to two full days!! WOW, I am going to start weight training! I know that even after regular exercise, one continues to burn calories, but not for two full days!! And at my age (over 40) : ) strength and muscle training is essential. As we older people automatically lose muscle as we age.

So I hope to start doing Nautilus and some free weight lifting by Friday! I will keep you posted!
I will also post some great recipes that are low calorie and yummy!!

Enjoy your day!