Sick and tired of your old cardio regime? Many gym-goers feel this way, especially those who aren’t getting the results they want. There are only so many kilometres you can run on the treadmill before you feel about ready to give up.
If you’ve reached a standstill with your cardio routine and you’re wondering how to get results at the gym (fast), read on for some easy to follow tips!
Mix It Up
In most instances, we perform better if we are challenged by (and interested in) what we’re doing. To combat boredom, try rewriting your cardio program to include more machines. So rather than running on the treadmill for half an hour, look at doing short stints on the elliptical machine, bike and treadmill to keep yourself focused and working hard.
Interval Training
If you’re not doing so already, start implementing interval training throughout your cardio work out. Alternate a minute of maximum effort with a minute of low effort or rest to burn more calories, even after you’ve finished your work out! You can read our article on HIIT training to learn more.
Incline & Resistance
Instead of running or cycling on a flat “road”, bump up the incline or resistance setting on your machine. This will increase your heart rate, thereby increasing your calorie burn. It can also help tone your legs – but remember to keep the hill simulation under 5 minutes to reduce the risk of injury.
Push Yourself
If you’ve reached a plateau, going to the gym to do the same thing day in, day out isn’t going to get you any further. You need to be able to push yourself and challenge your body, consistently running faster, pedalling harder and working smarter.
If you’re having difficulty with this, consider engaging a personal trainer. They’ll be able to help you push through difficult periods and get you to where you want to be – after all, they’re experts in getting results at the gym!
