Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Using Inclines For Cardio Workouts

Head for the hills to rev up your walking or running workout. Get fit faster and stay motivated by varying the scenery and terrain.
Do you follow the same path day in and day out when you go for your walk or run? Look for hills along your route that you can slip into your routine. If it’s too much for you to tackle all at once, start by only going halfway up. Walking or running up inclines boosts the intensity of your workout: it burns more calories and helps build muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance.

Switching between flat surfaces and hills is a form of interval training, a type of workout that involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise in between moderate activity. This kind of exercise, practiced by elite athletes, can supercharge your workout. It can also help keep boredom at bay. If you have joint problems, go easy on the downhill; slow down your pace and shorten your stride.

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