29 Apr Tips to get cardio benefits during strength training workout

The Torque Fitness F1 Functional Trainer can help you build strength and also get a cardio workout while you’re doing it.

There’s a better way to get cardio exercise than many people are aware of.
Instead of spending a great deal of time on a treadmill or elliptical, start building your gym time around strength training exercises with a functional trainer, home gym, free weights and-or body weight movements such as lunges.
That’s not to say a treadmill or elliptical shouldn’t have a place in your workout regimen, but consider using your time more wisely.
If you can only find time to exercise three times a week, here are some tips to get toned and burn calories and also get cardio benefit:
Do more strength training – Spend the majority of your workout time performing traditional strength training and resistance moves, such as squats, dead lifts, hamstring curls, lat pulldowns, seated rows, pullups, pushups, and lunges.
Do “cardio” at the end – If you are pushing yourself through a hard strength training workout, you will actually be getting cardio benefit at the same time. Remember, the body is an integrated system and you can get aerobic and anaerobic exercise at the same time.
Only you’ll be exercising your muscles a lot more than if you were just on a treadmill. So spend the first half-hour of a workout strength training and then close with 10-15 minutes of cardio to end with a good burn.
Use interval training – Do reps on strength training exercises that last about 30 seconds and get your heart-rate going into the target cardio zone. Rest for 60 seconds and then get right back at the next set.
The rest will allow you to go just as hard on the next set.
At Home Fitness has a great selection of home gyms, functional trainers and free weights to to take your workouts to the next level.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. Consult a doctor before beginning any new fitness program. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com