Fitwell Training Solutions

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Heart Healthy Workouts that Get Results

Posted on February 15th, 2010

A recent study determined the incredible heart benefits from brief, intense exercise bouts. If you want to lose fat and get in the best shape of your life you have to get your heart pumping on a regular basis. Whatever your goals are, whether it’s to lose weight, gain endurance or train for an event such as a marathon, you have to know how to work your heart efficiently and effectively. The worst thing you can do is “chill” on the treadmill while reading your favorite magazine or God forbid, the newspaper (yes, I’ve witnessed it myself).

So here’s the deal - you have to insert some high intensity bouts of exercise to get a “revved up” workout. One way to make sure that happens is to monitor your heart rate. Most cardiovascular machines have a guide for your heart rate based on age and intensity level however these machines are calibrated for the general population. As a result, you may not get the “real” numbers that can make a difference in your results. It’s best to have a heart rate monitor to get the most accurate reading and use it on a regular basis. By monitoring your heart rate, you’ll see the difference in your level of fitness over time. Here’s the heart rate monitor that I recommend.

Click here to order.

So what do you do? There are a myriad of cardiovascular training options out there so don’t get overwhelmed. I suggest you start simple at first and then branch out using other exercise options. If you like the treadmill or jogging outside, try one of my favorite belly fat shedding programs.

I also recommend this elliptical machine option:

Warm - up - 5 minute
1 minute, resistance 4, go “hard” (e.g. maximum effort)
2 minutes, recover, no resistance
1 minute, resistance 5, go “hard”
2 minutes, recover, no resistance
1 minute, resistance 6, go “hard”
2 minutes, recover, no resistance
1 minute, resistance 7, go “hard”
2 minutes, recover, no resistance
5 minutes, cool down, no resistance
*Be sure to stretch afterward for 5-10 minutes

So the next time you workout, think about all the great things you’re doing for your heart. By getting that oxygenated blood pumping through your system you’re providing your heart with all the long-term benefits that come with a challenging cardiovascular workouts. Plus, you’ll lose that stubborn weight, improve your stamina and feel great!. Remember, follow your heart to the gym and then work it out!

Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie
3 Reasons Why You Need to Work Your Heart

Posted on February 11th, 2010

So what’s all the fuss about cardiovascular exercise? Sure it can help you lose those unwanted pounds but have you ever thought of the real heart benefits? As we age, our arteries become less pliable and can be a contributing factor for high blood pressure. One of the best ways to deliver oxygenated blood to [...]

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Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie
Your Heart, Your Health, Your Life!

Posted on February 7th, 2010

It pains me when I hear about a woman who puts off going to the doctor when she has chest pains. It pains me even more when a woman gets misdiagnosed with an anxiety condition when in reality she’s experiencing a mild heart attack! Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans, and [...]

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Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie
Top 3 New Year’s Resolutions for 2010

Posted on January 1st, 2010

There are some universal resolutions that people set for themselves with the start of a new year; lose weight, get a better job or manage debt. These are great resolutions especially if achieved! However, my top 3 resolutions will make ALL the difference in whatever resolution you set for yourself in 2010. Here they are:

SLEEP. [...]

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Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie
Not Working Out is NOT an Option

Posted on December 19th, 2009

This last week has been a blur of family commitments, meetings and necessary errands. As a result, my workouts haven’t been as consistent as I hoped they’d be. At first I justified it by saying, “A rest day can’t hurt, I’ll just be sure to watch my eating.” However, that rest day became a rest [...]

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Leave a Comment | Posted by valerie