The workout of a cardio snob

As I flip through the pages of various Christmas issues of my favorite fitness/women’s magazines, I notice many articles about the benefits of practicing yoga during this stressful time of year. At the risk of sounding like a cardio snob, if I have 30 minutes a day (if I’m lucky) and I have to put on a special outfit in about a month and a half. I’m not going to spend those 30 minutes taking cleansing breaths and stretching.

Don’t get me wrong, if you exercise regularly throughout the year, you can absolutely benefit from a yoga class 1, maybe 2 times a week. However, if you’re now starting a rut hoping to fit into a size 8, then mom, get ready to sweat. Here is the routine I recommend.

Choose 3 (or at least 2) cardio activities to prevent burnout (see list below).

Do 1 of these activities for at least 30 minutes (45 or 60 minutes if your schedule allows) 4 times a week. This should include a 3-5 minute warm up and a 3-5 minute cool down (you can stretch while waiting in line at the deli).

Perform strength training movements using free weights, stability ball or nautilus machines for 30 minutes (preferably 45 or 60 minutes) 2 times a week. This should include a 3-5 minute warm-up and a 3-5 minute stretch. Make sure to focus on any part of the body that is exposed (arms, back, calves, legs, shoulders…you get the point).

Remember, after this routine gets you going and putting on your festive attire… GO ON! You can add wonderful activities like yoga, kick boxing, pilates, meditation and the benefits will be: a strong body, beautiful posture, tones of energy and a radiant glow. But for now you just need to put on that halter dress!

Cardio Options:

in a hurry

walking

work on tape

elliptical trainer

yarn

aerobics and/or kickboxing

ride the bicycle

to skate

climber