How hard should you work out? Good question. I hate to answer a question with a question, but....
what do you want to accomplish by working out? Are you trying to get in the best shape of your life? Are you trying to work out enough to allow you to eat a little more and not gain weight? Are you trying to work out enough to say you went to the gym, but aren't really worried about results?
Lots and lots of questions (and no answers so far) to one little question. So, how hard should you work out?
I'll start with me (don't I always?) Over the years I have worked out off and on. Until the last 18 months I had not had great results. Why? Because I didn't pay enough attention to my diet. Also, because I didn't work out with enough intensity. I didn't work out with any real purpose. I put in my time, was happy to say I worked out. That was enough. So what changed? I decided I wanted results.
So, what do you want from your workout? I see people at the gym, some of them are "regulars", but are still 25+ pounds over weight (not because they are too muscular) these people come in multiple times per week, go through a well thought out workout, and don't seem to get any stronger or lose any weight. Where do they go wrong? If they are trying to gain muscle and lose fat, their problem is likely the intensity of their workouts. When you do your cardio, is it difficult or do you "cruise". For example, on the elliptical I use I have the ability to input my weight, and can either run a program that's already set up, or I can create my own program. It would be easy to do my 15 minutes with minimal resistance, no incline and a moderate speed. I could say I did 15 minutes on the elliptical, but what did I accomplish? It would be the same as going for a 15 minute walk. You did something, but are you in better shape? Unless you are just starting to work out, it's not enough. Crank up the incline, add some resistance, stay in the 170-175 strides per minute. Get that heart rate up. Keep that heart rate up. The same applies when you are lifting. I know we've all been told "controlled movements, breathe" Breathing is important, safe movements are important, there is no reason that safe movements can't be explosive movements. Attack those weights, do all of your lifts with purpose. For example, when you do biceps curls, make sure that at the top of the lift you tighten (squeeze) your biceps. Be intentional with your movements. While I want you to attack your workout, remember that it's better to do the lift properly with less weight, than improperly with more weight. Remember that you should, should, should be tired and sweaty when you are done with your workout. Tired and sweaty. Tired and sweaty. Yes, you should be sweaty when you are done. If you're not at least a little sweaty, you probably didn't work hard enough.
And now how about some sports? Who saw the collapse of the Cardinals coming? I'd like to say I did, but I didn't. I thought the Cards were in pretty good shape, I knew the offense was a little light, but with the pitching they have, I thought they would be okay. But a funny thing has happened on the way to the playoffs. The hitting got worse, the defense fell apart and the pitching has only been so so. I'm trying to hang in there with them, but I think it's over. On the plus side, the USA team is looking pretty good in the FIBA basketball tournament in Istanbul. And on the great side (this ones for you Honey) yesterday was the last Sunday with no NFL until February 19th. Yes there will be some Bears updates.
And on the entertainment front, don't waste your money on Going the Distance possibly the worst movie I have ever seen.
That's all for now.
I'll see you at the gym.
