When it is time for a cardio session, what do you typically do? If you are like many people when working out, you hop on the machine and begin exercising. There is not much thought put into it; you have done this a hundred times before so you know how the process goes.
However, next time you have a workout planned, you may want to slow down and think about what you are doing a little more. Here are four checks to make to help you know what you are doing during your cardio workouts. They will help you to get better results…
1. Check Your Breathing. Most people do not think about their breathing during cardio training as it is something that occurs naturally. They go about their session and let their breathing take care of itself.
While this may seem okay, it is not. It would be best if you focused on regular controlled breathing as this will ensure enough oxygen is entering your lungs and muscles; helping you destroy fatigue before it hits.
2. Monitor Your Heart Rate. The next step is to monitor your heart rate. While this does take a bit of effort on your part, it can help ensure you are working in your chosen target zone.
Some days you may “feel” you missed out on working in the target zone you wished to: remember some days feel harder than others.
3. Focus On Your Form. If you are using a cross-trainer machine that simulates stair climbing, walking, or running, or using a treadmill, it may be easy to believe form will take good care of itself.
However, there are many ways people cheat these exercises, using a poor form as they do. For instance…
- are you leaning on the handlebars?
- are you making sure your feet are facing forward with each step you take?
To see great results you need to make sure you check your form.
4. Be Present. Finally, it is essential for you to be present in the moment. It is easy to zone out and watch TV or read a book but typically speaking, if you are zoning out you are not focusing on what you are there to do – workout. Moreover, you are not working as hard as you could be either.
Be present in the moment and feel your body working.
If you do the four above steps, you can be assured you will get more out of each of your cardio workouts and will see the best results.
