| Eleven Ways to Turn it Up
By: Reader's Digest Here are several small steps that can infuse heart-healthy intensity into your everyday work and play.If you’re new to vigorous activity, start slow and easy--be sure you’re comfortable with the walking and general movement advice in the earlier chapters before trying to do more. Then introduce small advances, easing up when you feel you need a break. If you have high blood pressure, avoid caffeinated beverages before vigorous activity, since caffeine further increases heart rate and blood pressure. Finally, be enthusiastic, but don’t overdo it. You want to feel good enough tomorrow to do it again.1. Sneak in surges
The next time you’re out walking, and you’re warmed up, pick up the pace for 1 to 2 minutes. Slow down to take a breather, then repeat. You’ll not only burn more calories, you’ll also condition your body to feel comfortable at a faster pace so you’ll be able to move more briskly every time you walk.2. Power clean
A grimy house is better than Gold’s Gym. Spin your favorite CDs, grab the cleaning supplies, and don’t break ’til the last dust speck is spoken for. Alternate between upstairs and downstairs... |
