It’s no secret that these days we’re not getting enough exercise. Nor is it a secret that in this society, we want effective results as fast as possible. So if you’re ready to commit to a consistent and intense work out, but aren’t sure what suits you, this article might just be exactly what you need. There is an array of effective intense workouts out there, but these are just some that are guaranteed to give you results.
High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
This cardiovascular exercised is designed to be quick and effective. Each session should last from 9-20 minutes – perfect for a society who has little time to spare. Start off with a quick warm up, then get right into it with six to ten repetitions of high intensity exercises. Between each cycle of high intensity exercise, you should have a rest period of medium intensity exercises. For example, you might sprint as fast you possibly can for 30 seconds, and rest by walking for 15 seconds. This is an exercise regime used by Olympic athletes and is sure to give you worthwhile results.
Boxing
With the current interest in everything Eastern, from Eastern food to Eastern martial arts, it’s easy to forget good old Western culture. Boxing will definitely get you getting fit and losing weight. Start off with some jump rope, then some shadowboxing where you punch air and work on technique. Move on to the punching bag, whether it’s the conventional one or the much more difficult double-end one. Once you’re ready, do some mitts exercises with a partner. If you’re up for it, continue on to some sparring.
CrossFit
A 21st Century approach to exercise, this is also a routine that won’t require much time. Typically 20 minutes or less, it is high intensity and focuses on all out exertion. It combines movements such as sprinting, rowing, jumping rope, climbing rope, flipping tires, weightlifting, carrying heavy objects, and many bodyweight exercises; equipment used includes barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics rings, pull-up bars, kettlebells, medicine balls, and boxes for box jumps. Your local gym is likely to have this programme available for instruction.
Zumba
One of the more recent crazes and intense workouts in the workout world is Zumba, an all-new take on working out. Though it was founded over 20 years ago, only recently has it really picked up momentum. It is a Colombian dance fitness program incorporating hip-hop, salsa, mambo, merengue, martial arts and belly dancing. Definitely a much more fun way of exercising…and you might even pick up a few dance moves along the way!
P90X
Otherwise known as Power 90 Extreme, this commercial home exercise regime has received a lot of positive media, especially after Paul Ryan claimed he used it. Its premise is simple. It uses cross-training exercises with advice on nutrition to give you results in 90 days. It is extremely popular and has grossed approximately $500 million in sales.
