I noticed that I was comfortable with the elliptical, but I stopped making gains in my weight loss. I had reached a plateau and I was also feeling bored. My work-out buddy convinced me that I could enhance my performance by having a personal trainer. Initially, I felt uncomfortable because I am highly independent. Despite the reservations, I took the plunge!
My wonderful personal trainer taught me how to use exercise equipment including bosu ball, kettle bells and light weights. The routine was challenging and invigorating. Just when I thought I could not exert another muscle, he coached me to go beyond what I thought was my limit. For Example, the trainer instructed me to flip a heavy tire and perform jumping jacks at each repetition. I did not think I could do it, but I did! The advantage of using a trainer is you develop correct technique and you get the push you deserve!
Have you ever noticed how sore your muscles can be a day after a heavy workout? Some of that soreness could be alleviated by stretching after a powerful workout. Stretching has to do with elongating the muscles that you were contracting during training. It is important to stretch your muscles to help retain flexibility and avoid injury.
There are countless reasons why I love to workout on the elliptical. This piece of gym equipment is very challenging to me. Like everything else, an elliptical machine workout is what you make of it. I am always so excited that I can work my entire body in one shot. By working your upper and lower body as well as your cardio is the best feeling ever. Also, by back pedaling this works the calves and hamstrings. It is fabulous to switch up your routine from time to time.
Do you ever wonder why you reach a plateau and can not get past it? Possible reasons could be overeating, boredom, decreased motivation or insufficient exercise. Using a trainer could be extremely helpful to break out of an exercise plateau. A fitness instructor can assess your strength and weaknesses and help you formulate your goals. A coach can introduce you to different exercises, as well.
We all have those days where we feel like we can not face exercising or motivate ourselves to go to the gym. I put on work-out clothes every morning. Typically, I eat my main meal in the AM. Eating makes me feel energized. I start training about a half an hour to forty five minutes before eating. Generally, I work-out in the gym, however if I am feeling un-motivated I will try something different like walking a scenic pathway.
By adding variety to walking you can intensify your caloric output and create more fun at the same time. The more you alter your work-out program, the better your results will be. I really love walking on the beach because of the beauty aspect of it. The soft, warm sand will challenge your balance and thereby engage in many other muscle movements.
There are times when I am on the elliptical and all I think about is that I want to stop or become complacent with my work-out. When you start to meet exercise resistance a good strategy is to stay in the moment. A tried and true method of staying present is to target your breathing. For Example, notice how long your inhales and exhales are. You may notice that the air going into your nostrils feels cool, while the air on your exhales feels warmer.
Eliminating carbs goes a long way to slimming your belly. There is a reason why people call a protruding stomach a beer belly. Regular aerobic activity will also help to trim that problematic area. Exercising your core will tighten the muscles to give you that sculpted look. It is important, however that you train in a proper way. One way to learn proper form for core muscles is to take a pilates class from a certified instructor.
