3 Ways to Pick Up the Pace in Your Workout
By Genevieve Cunningham
Exercise is key to a healthy, productive, and even a happy life. Exercise keeps us moving. It keeps our weight under control. It keeps our energy levels up and our illness levels down. But sometimes, we're all a little guilty of going through the motions of exercise. We do the same thing day in and day out. While any exercise is better than nothing, it's really a good idea to pick up the pace from time to time. To challenge ourselves and work toward better health. If you're ready to make your exercise a little harder, take a look at these tips to get you started.
Get Some Resistance
There are plenty of ways to add resistance to your exercise routine. You can always opt for something inexpensive but still effective like resistance bands. These come in varying strengths, so you can really customize your workout. Of course, you can also opt for the more traditional route of weights. Whether handheld or heavier weights, this is an excellent way to improve your workout. If you need an idea that's gentle, try getting in the water. Water makes excellent resistance, but it can also ease pain and trouble spots at the same time. Adding resistance makes the workout feel minimally more difficult, but can produce big results in the long run.
Shorten It
Sounds counterproductive, right? But the idea is not to shorten your workout and still go at the same pace. Instead, shorten your workout and go harder. Go faster. Take smaller and fewer breaks. Make your shorter workout more intense. This can really take your workout to the next level, but since it's a shorter time frame, you won't feel too bad by the end.
Lengthen It
If you don't think that you can make your workout any harder or more intense, then instead just go a few extra minutes. Instead of running for 15 minutes, run for 17 minutes. Instead of doing 10 push-ups, do 12. These small increases in time or in reps might not seem like much right now, but long-term, they'll improve your strength, stamina, and overall condition.
If you're exercising regularly, you're already doing a great job. But don't stop now! Challenge yourself. Make room for more. Use these tips to make your workout just a little bit harder, and enjoy the healthier body (and mind!) that comes with it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Alpharetta, Ga.