Long time, no talk. I apologize for my delayed absence, if anyone cares that is. I've fallen deeply in love with the realm of basketball journalism and that has taken up the brute of my time. However, with this being said, I believe my writing has increased ten-fold since the last time we talked. I still wish to keep this blog running for my own personal benefit and anyone out there reading.
Now, back to the topic.
The Singular Greatest Workout Tip In History
Well, of course this is my opinion. But, the other day I was having a discussion with my doctor. We both enjoy lifting weights and often our conversations in the office revolve around this subject. During our conversation he brought the word, "cardio" up. God, I hate that word. As do many people.
Along with my lifting, he asked if I was doing any cardio. Does anyone EVER admit to not doing any cardio at all? So, of course, I gave an answer something along the time of "yeah, I try to fit it in a few times a week". Which wasn't a total lie, but wasn't necessarily the whole truth either. When I'm home on break, cardio fits into my schedule. But, when I'm at school, cardio doesn't enter my workouts often, unless it's on a basketball court.
After this, my doctor just advised me, that even if I wasn't doing a lot of cardio, that I should....
THIS IS THE TIP!
KEEP YOUR REST PERIODS TO ONE MINUTE OR LESS.
Ah, I've heard that so often. When he said that to me, it struck something inside of me. I realized that I had sort of fell into a lull with my workouts. I was going and getting them done, without skipping any days, but I wasn't really benefiting from them. I was "going through the motions" if you will. Do a set, sit there for two to three minutes on my phone then do the next set. No wonder I wasn't leaving the gym in sweat. I still looked the same as when I first entered the gym. I realized this was my issue.
By keeping my rest periods to one minute or less, it does a couple things.
- Shortens your workout, while still being able to keep all the exercises in place
- Increases your heart rate, which in turn will burn more calories
- PRODUCES MORE SWEAT
- Keeps you focused on the task at hand
- Forces you to think rapidly about the next exercise, since you have limited time to rest
- Works the body 10x better than a regular (2-3 minute) rest period
- Increases overall endurance, along with muscle endurance
After my doctor told me to do this, I did it.
My workouts have been shorter, but more explosive. I'm sweating up a storm, which I LOVE. I'm burning more calories. Plus, I'm able to get more done in my workouts. I can do a whole chest and biceps workout in about 45 minutes, if I keep my rest periods to one minute or less. This leaves me more time in my day, or more time to do some form of cardio.
Trust me, take your phone with you and as SOON as you complete a set, put the timer on. As soon as the timer hits 30 to 40 seconds, get ready to do your next set and get it done. Push through the pain and muscle failure, it is only making you better.
Any questions?
E-mail me: dcorrigan50@gmail.com
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