All good workout programs target every muscle in your entire body at least once a week. And if you’re going to follow most quality weight loss tips, it will also give you great cardiovascular training. Finding a cardiovascular workout that complements your resistance training regiment will help you achieve results faster than either one by itself. One trick to finding a great workout program is to look for one that incorporates the major muscle and minor muscles groups together. When working the major muscle groups you will inevitably work some of the minor muscles, but there are great workout programs that really hit those muscles which many workouts miss.
Most workout programs don’t fill every niche you need to get the best results. For example a weight training workout program will not give you much of a cardiovascular workout. Full body workout programs for women for the most part don’t work the larger muscles enough to be really effective.
I am a huge fan of the entire Beach Body line up of workout DVD’s as well as Berry’s Bootcamp. These workouts are every bit as good as any gym workout program you will encounter. The only advantage to the gym workout is you can hire a trainer to push you harder and further than you can push yourself. On the other hand though, most people don’t have the discretionary income to hire a trainer. In fact, a lot of people are uncertain as to whether they need a trainer.
When you are selecting a workout program there are a few things you need to be sure are included, so you don’t waste your time or money.
- Weight Training – Or some form of resistance training. This will give you that extra edge whether you are trying to lose weight or build muscle for that toned, Jillian Michaels look. Make sure the program you choose has a minimum of 3 days of resistance training, 5 days would be ideal but 3 will work.
- Cardio – Every workout program needs a cardio routine. This is what will initially melt the fat off you and once you’re past that point it is what will keep your heart and lungs in tip top shape. You need to know your limits but I myself do 5 or 6 days per week. The days you do your resistance routine you can do as little as 20 minutes and then cardio only days as much as 60 minutes, or even more if you can handle it.
- Mixing Up – Mixing up your routines helps you to avoid those stubborn plateaus your body can get stuck in. You should stick to one routine for no more than 6 weeks, which goes for the resistance training and cardio workouts.
If your workout routine has these three basics, whether it’s a home or a gym workout program, you will get the results you’re after. That is of course assuming you do the work, and eat the right foods.