If you want to lose fat at a rapid pace, you do need to push hard at things like intervals, circuits and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). The main issue is knowing exactly how hard to push yourself. With interval training and other methods, finding a workout intensity that is right for you is very tricky.
Fat Loss Workouts and Muscle Definition : A Strategy
Usually, I prefer to keep strength training separate from the fat loss part of the workout. If you’re going for muscle definition, I suggest heavy weights, combined with brief, low volume strength training. Your muscles will firm up and you will begin to see an increase in definition this way. Strength training is usually the easy part. With any workout, the calorie burning, fat loss portion is the most intense and difficult. At least three times every week, do an intense fat loss workout. You can use any method of circuit workout or strategic interval that you want, including HIIT and body weight circuits.
Low Intensity Workouts and After Effects
Most often, when I am at the gym, I see people doing a fat loss workout with no intensity in it. If you’re taking a break until your next interval, a treadmill is fine – but otherwise, it’s a total waste of time. In all honesty, a low intensity cardio workout won’t burn enough calories to make any real impact on your physical appearance.
Too High of an Intensity Level Is a Negative As Well
If your workout is too hard and intense, you are very likely to “overcompensate” by resting more than normal after the workout. For the optimal fat loss results, you should go about your day as if the workout didn’t just happen, otherwise your body will waste time resting. If you become overly tired and spend hours sitting down or resting after a workout, your fat loss workout is ineffective.
Is Your Fat Loss Workout the Right Intensity?
Pay attention to what is called the “HGH Flush”. This is a good way to judge the effectiveness of your fat loss workout. If your skin is slightly red and hot to the touch and you are out of breath after your workout, then you have achieved the HGH flush. Remember your PE teacher in Junior High making you “run lines” or pushing you until you were out of breath and your skin felt like it was on fire? Your body releases a higher amount of HGH, a fat burning hormone, than usual during this HGH flush, indicating that your metabolism is increased.
Working In Your Comfort Zone : The Edge
A big mistake I see personal trainers making with their clients is pushing them too hard too soon. I had a personal trainer brag that he could take me through a workout that would “destroy me”. Um…no thanks. This workout intensity is usually referred to the ’sweet spot’. You can start increasing your intensity as your body adjusts. You can always lower the intensity of your next workout if you’ve pushed yourself too far and need rest.
