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Treadmills can be tiresome. And not necessarily because you are working up a sweat! The problem? Boredom.
Boredom is an exercise routine killer. Now that it's summertime, it's time to shake up the old program, amp your calorie burn, and have some fun while you do it, by doing it outside.
More than keeping you motivated, exercising outside is an easy way to instantly green your day. Plus you don't need to buy expensive gym memberships or equipment (yes, you can start using that treadmill as a laundry basket again—just make sure to unplug it first…).
Take a cue from celebs like Katie Holmes, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney who get fit from boot camp style workouts.
So what does this boot camp concept consist of? Exercise the old fashioned way.
No-electricity bootcamp style workouts:
- Pushups (chest, back and arms)
- Sit-ups (abs)
- Tricep dips (triceps)
- Pull-ups (shoulders, chest, arms)
- Lunges (quads and butt)
- Squats (quads, hamstrings, butt)
- Jump rope (calves, quads, butt, abs, arms)
The most efficient and effective way to work each muscle group is by repeating the above exercises twice without taking a break (unless of course you need a quick 30-second rest period). It's called circuit training.
*If you are feeling faint at all, stop immediately and grab some water. A bite of fruit of scoop of yogurt can help too.
How do you determine how many to do?
Because everyone's fitness level is different, it's best to first consult a trainer who can guide you through the proper movements. But as a general rule you want to do as many as you can (correctly, with control and slowly), then do 2 more. Those last 2 are the key and have the biggest impact.
Related Content:
Get Nostalgic: Hula Hooping is Back and it's Green!
Where to Get Green Workout Supplies
Green Workouts: By The Numbers
How to Go Green: Workouts
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com
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