Friday, February 8, 2008
Structuring An Effective Workout Plan
We all want, and even expect, our exercise programs to deliver. The problem is most people don't take a close look what they really expect to gain and how much time and energy they can devote to achieving it.
Time
The first decision you'll have to make is how much time you are willing or able to devote to your program. The time factor involves two separate elements, how many days a week you can train and how much time you can devote to each workout. Ideally, you'll be able to alternate strength- and aerobic-training sessions, which might require four or five days a week.
If you can only squeeze in three days a week, you might opt for a program that combines the two workouts. Be flexible and make your schedule work for you.
Goals
You've also got to ask yourself certain questions about what you expect to get from your exercise program. Are you more interested in improving health or looking better? Do you want to trim down and lose fat, or bulk up and gain muscle? The answers to these questions will decide what type of training you'll do most often and exactly how you'll train within each session.
Certain Rules Apply
- Do more aerobic and less strength training for fat loss and cardio health.
- Use a light resistance and high repetitions (more than 15) to increase endurance and muscle tone.
- Use a heavy resistance and low repetitions (less than eight) to increase strength and muscle mass.
- A moderate resistance that allows you to complete 8 to 15 reps is ideal as it accomplishes a little of both endurance and strength gains.
- Determine how much weight you should lift in each set by setting the ideal number of repetitions to be completed that coincides with your individual goals.
Taking the time to structure your program to meet your individual needs and time restraints will get results. Finding a way to squeeze in three to five 30-minute sessions a week, while adjusting the type of training you do to deliver the results you want, will keep you on the path to weight loss, muscle tone, or any other goals you might have set for yourself.
Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway ::
7:42 AM ::
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