MAXIMIZE Your Cardio Workout

HELLO FITNESS FAMILY :-)

Okay...so the average person has a 1 hour lunch break, right? Soooo, if you manage your time well, this means about 45 minutes to workout; leaving 15 minutes to get dressed/undressed....Here are a few ways to maximize your cardio workout during your lunch hour:

1) BE PREPARED - If you choose to ride the bike, be sure to bring a good book or article to keep your mind focused on something other than the 'kick-azz' cardio workout you're about to get! If you'd rather listen to music during your workout, be CERTAIN to load your IPOD or MP3 player with your FAVORITE up-tempo beats!

2) PICK AN ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY - If you don't LIKE to run...then DON'T! Maybe you'd rather go for a brisk walk with your favorite music!...OR take that music on the Elliptical (low impact and choose intervals to intensify your workouts)

3) USE YOUR WHOLE BODY - Jumping jacks and jumping rope....BOTH of these activities engage the entire body! Try adding one or more of these activities to your daily cardio routine.

4) PLAN PLAN PLAN!! - SOOO many times I've seen people walk into a gym and just 'case-the-joint', as if they're about to do a stake-out! BEFORE you begin your workout...PLAN IT OUT! For example, 20 minutes on the Elliptical, 10 minutes of Jump Rope and 15 minutes on the Treadmill. Planning your workout is KEY! Also, remember to have a SET TIME everyday to workout. It helps with keeping your routines consistent...and you begin to look forward to sweating EVERY TIME!

5) LUNCH - DO NOT eat RIGHT before you workout! I eat breakfast by 9:00AM every morning...eat a LIGHT snack @ 10:00AM...WORKOUT @ 11:30AM...then, eat lunch about an hour after I've gotten back to my desk. As you get into your workout regimen, you can schedule your meals around your workouts/cardio.

6) LADIES LADIES LADIES!!! - DO NOT BRING YOUR CLOSET TO THE LOCKER ROOM!...and DO NOT WEAR MAKE-UP DURING YOUR WORKOUT!...It gets in your eyes and can interfere with your workout...BESIDES...you're at the gym to GET-IT-IN and SWEAT!...NOT walk down the runway!...You should carry a MEDIUM size gym bag to include the following:

- COSMETIC POUCH - for TRAVEL-SIZE toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant, lotion, face wash, hair gel/moisturizer, brush/comb and sanitary napkins)...and ALWAYS remember your TOWEL!

- CLOTHING - Sports bra, extra panties, workout top and bottoms, sports socks

- HAIR - Try not to over-think your hair! Leave the HUGE hair dryers at home. If you NEED one, get a TRAVEL size dryer. Always be sure to have a ponytail holder or head scarf handy.

AND OF COURSE...DON'T FORGET YOUR SNEAKERS! :-)

Hope you have a FAB-DUC-TIVE day!!...WORK...SWEAT...GET-IT-IN-spire!!