The training of a cardio snob

As I peruse the pages of various Christmas issues of my favorite fitness / women’s magazines, I notice many articles about the benefits of practicing yoga at this stressful time of year. At the risk of sounding like a cardio snob, if I have 30 minutes a day (if I’m lucky) and have to put on a special outfit in about a month and a half. I’m not going to spend those 30 minutes taking clean breaths and stretching.

Don’t get me wrong, if you exercise regularly throughout the year, you can absolutely benefit from a 1 yoga class, maybe 2 times a week. However, if you’re just starting a routine hoping to fit into a size 8, then mommy get ready to break a sweat. Here is the routine that I recommend.

Choose 3 (or at least 2) cardiovascular activities to avoid exhaustion (see list below).

Do 1 of these activities for at least 30 minutes (45 or 60 minutes if your schedule allows) 4 times a week. This should include a 3-5 minute warm-up and a 3-5 minute cool-down (you can stretch while waiting in line at the deli).

Perform strength training movements with free weights, stability ball, or nautilus machines for 30 minutes (45 or 60 minutes preferably) 2 times a week. This should include 3-5 minutes of warm-up and 3-5 minutes of stretching. Make sure to focus on whatever part of the body is exposed (arms, back, calves, legs, shoulders … you get the point).

Remember, after this routine gets you going and puts you in your Christmas outfit … GO ON !!! You can add wonderful activities like yoga, kick boxing, Pilates, meditation and the benefits will be: a strong body, a beautiful posture, tons of energy and a radiant glow. But for now you just need to wear that halter dress!

Cardio options:

in a hurry

walking

tape work

elliptical trainer

yarn

aerobics and / or kick boxing

ride the bicycle

skate

climber