FitnessMash

No-Nonsense, No “Cardio” Conditioning Workout

Think you need to run to get in a good conditioning workout? Think again.

Here’s FocusNYC trainer Alex demonstrating three great joint-friendly tools we use to improve conditioning in place of traditional “cardio.” They’re more fun and, frankly, far more effective. And as you’ll find out, they also have other benefits. What we’re trying to say is that if there were fitness awards, they’d be Golden Globe winners. Do these three exercises in a row, and we guarantee you’ll be gassed.

1. SLEDS

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Training For Parenthood: Part 2

In Part 1 of our interview with Ilene Bergelson, Ilene discussed lifting considerations for pregnant women and people with excess abdominal weight. Today, she adresses the necessary adjustments in cardiovascular programming for these populations.

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A Bad Attempt at Good Health

As if the bed bugs weren’t bad enough, today NYC hosts the 2010 LIVE with Regis and Kelly High Heel-a-thon in Central Park to support The Heart Truth campaign for women’s heart health education and research.

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You Don’t Have To Sit To Do Your Desk Job!

Enter the Treadmill Desk.

It’s actually been around for a couple years now, but I’m still surprised how many people have never heard of it when I bring it up. Rather than sitting in your office getting tired, fat and immobile, the Treadmill Desk comes with a built-in computer and workstation, allowing you to walk slowly throughout the day while doing your work. There are definitely skeptics out there, but Dr. James Levine “stands” behind his creation (Check out the calorie burn!):

Move it AND lose it!

The Treadmill Desk is making its way into more homes, but businesses are still a bit slow to invest in the costly equipment under the current economic conditions. As the video mentions, the health benefits of simply moving more are bound to pay back dividends for most employers by drastically cutting healthcare costs.

Until the market proves stable, however, perhaps the alternative is the $39 “Build It Yourself” Treadmill Desk. Check it out here!

Make The Most of Your “Cardio”

Most people don’t exercise at the appropriate intensity. And when it comes to cardio, almost everyone takes the wrong approach. Exhibit A:

What’s needed is a change in mindset about cardiovascular training…and attire! So from here on out, don’t think “cardio;” think conditioning.

With a focus on conditioning, it doesn’t make much sense to run long distances for extended periods of time (i.e., 60 minutes or more), let alone in the buff! Research shows you get the best bang for your buck with intervals. Interval training not only burns more calories during the session itself, but may also allow you to continue to burn calories for up to 24 hours post-exercise. In addition to this metabolic increase, you sharpen your central nervous system with intervals, enabling you to work harder and burn even more calories.

When done correctly, interval training should take no longer than 15-20 minutes. It’s called working smart and working efficiently. If you’re able to read or talk on the phone while on the treadmill or other cardio machine, you’re wasting your time.

You don’t have to be Kim Yu-Na or Lindsey Vonn to start an interval program, either. If you aren’t in good shape, you can begin by simply walking slow and then fast, or walking and then running. Start with just five minutes and work your way up from there.

So, today’s lesson is: “Think Conditioning, NOT Cardio.”

And don’t forget your shorts.

NEWTON RUNNING SHOES

The latest research shows forefoot running results in far fewer injuries than landing with a heel strike. These lightweight shoes are specifically designed to improve running form and reduce impact forces in your joints. If you’re an avid runner, you should definitely check them out!