A Balanced Workout Routine

So often people get stuck doing the same type of exercises at the gym. Typically you will see the majority of women on cardio equipment, while men are lifting weights, but this separation between what men and women tend to do at the gym isn't a good thing, the truth of the matter is that you need to find a balance and have variety in what you do to get the best results.

Often women are nervous about using weights but comfortable with cardio, so they tend to gravitate toward the cardio section of the gym. Most men have been trained to view an extremely muscular body as the ideal, and feel the only way to obtain this is by slinging weights around the weight room while ignoring cardio exercise. Unfortunately this is not good for either men or women, and a lot of times this comes with bad form in both the cardio and weight areas of the gym.

The truth is if you want to achieve a slim toned look (like most women) or achieve muscle definition (like most men), you will need to create a balance between cardio at the right intensity level and weight training that provides the appropriate repetitions and sets. It is also always good to have some flexibility and balance training to round out your routine, and it will enhance both your cardio and weight training regimens and help prevent injury.

Here are some tips for a balanced workout routine:

Assess Your Goals

Determine what you are aiming to obtain through health and fitness. 

For example if you’re overweight, your overall goal may be to lose weight. Now you need to create smaller goals to work toward the overall goal. 

The first thing you will want to do is determine your body composition which is the percentage of body fat you are currently carrying on your body. To figure this out you can either go to a gym to have it measured or you can create a FREE account at Team Beachbody and use the body fat calculator that is found under Fitness Tools. You can also buy a body fat caliper and a tape measure to get really accurate measurements. This will provide you with your current percentage so you can set up realistic, safe, and progressive goals each month to get your body fat to normal levels.

Combine Cardio and Weights

To have a balanced weight loss workout regimen, you must combine cardio and weight training. The key here, is to be sure you are working at an intensity that will provide results. To know this you should know your target heart rate. Again you can use the tools on Team Beachbody to figure your target heart rate. 

A good daily balance of cardio and weights would be to alternate cardio and full-body resistance training. You can also do a combination of cardio and weights on your weight training days if you so choose.

Some examples of balanced workout regimens would be the P90X program which consists of 12 workouts that include resistance training, cardio training, plyometric training, abdominal training and yoga. 

If 90 days sounds like too much to commit to right away you can start with the 21 Day Fix Extreme. This program still provides you with that amazing combination of cardio and weights, but in quick 30 minute workouts that you do for 21 days.

If you are interested in a program that has a greater amount of cardio but still provides resistance training, TurboFire is a 90 day program that would work. 

You always want to choose a program that best aligns what you like and your goals. 

Of course if you prefer to do something different every day, you can always create a hybrid of multiple programs as long as you create a good combination of weights and cardio, and still allow for appropriate muscle recovery. A great options for creating a hybrid is Beachbody On-Demand. Beachbody On-Demand gives you access to over 150 workout programs plus a coach. With an online coach and Beachbody On-Demand you can definitely get the right mix of strength-training and cardio to reach your goals.

The Importance of Flexibility and Balance

Flexibility and balance is an important part of any routine, and most of us don’t do it enough or do it at all. The more you stretch and work on flexibility and balance the quicker you will recover. This means less aches and pains, and greater results with your workouts. You will also be less likely to skip a workout because your entire body is stiff and sore.

Some strength and cardio programs already have flexibility and balance training as a part of the program. Even if they are a part of the overall program, it is still a good idea to take an extra 5-10 minutes after each workout to stretch the entire body. As you utilize flexibility and balance training you will see your overall performance improve, and that your body will truly feel better.

If you're looking for a program that focused on flexibility but also includes some cardio and strength then check out PiYo, a pilates/yoga hybrid program that's harder than it looks

Get Your Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition

Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day. I know you have heard that before, and we all know that not everyone feels they have the time to prepare breakfast. Some of us barely have time to find our keys, let alone brew a cup of coffee before we’re out the door and on our way to work.

You do need to remember that if you’re looking to lose weight you have to have breakfast. If time is an issue then why not try a protein packed and nutrient-dense shake? They’re fast, easy to make, and your breakfast options becomes endless with your creativity. Make breakfast a priority and get total nutrition with Shakeology from Beachbody.

It is great when you can whip up breakfast with one of these delicious shakes in LESS THAN ONE MINUTE. Shakeology is truly YOUR Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition. It is packed with incredible amounts of high quality protein, antioxidants, phytonutrients, pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and superfoods that your body desperately needs and craves.*

Plus, Shakeology can help to increase your energy levels, and reduce junk food cravings. Because Shakeology’s key ingredients are derived from whole food sources, your body will be able to easily absorb and utilize the nutrients immediately.

Often people get stuck at the gym because they weren't told how to effectively mix of their workout routines, and unless you want to pay a personal trainer a bunch of money to create a program for you, you may find yourself in a rut.

Any easy solution to this problem is to get a done-for-you program that provides you with a balanced approach so you never get stuck not knowing what to do next.

And if you want to be even more successful, get a challenge pack that includes the first month's supply of Shakeology.

P.S. When you order a product or a program through the links on this page, I get a small commission from it, and you get access to me as your personal coach...for FREE!! So now you now have everything you need to be successful!