High-Intensity Workout Plans: Intervals, CrossFit, Rowing, Swimming, and More

Don't plan on reading a magazine while you do these workouts. You're entering a no-slacking zone.By Annabelle Robertson
WebMD Feature

Looking to blast calories? Get ready -- it's going to be intense.

"It’s got to be high intensity, whatever the workout is, if you’re going to torch calories -- not just burn them,” says Bret Emery, a behavioral psychologist and weight loss specialist based in Weston, Fla. “Heart rate is key. That’s the speedometer of the body. If we speed the body up, it will burn more calories, just as a car will burn more fuel if it speeds up.”

Resolved to finally lose weight this year? Check out these tools, tips and tricks from WebMD that might help make it just a little less difficult.

© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Also, you need to mix up your workouts so they stay challenging. This will help keep your heart rate up and force your body to burn more calories, Weston says.

The following workouts will zap calories, but they’ll also push your body way past your comfort zone. So check with your doctor before taking on the challenge. Don't just tell your doctor you want to work out -- let him or her know exactly what you're planning to do. That way, your doctor can make sure you're ready.

If you're not active now, remember that it is better to ease into exercise in order to help prevent injury. Even though you may want to go all-out immediately, it's wiser not to.

Interval training is all about challenge and recovery -- over and over -- for a cardio blast. 

You can do intervals many different ways -- running, on any sort of cardio equipment, or in a pool.

This particular workout -- which comes from Michael Banks, certified personal trainer and owner of Body by Banks Corporation in Salt Lake City -- uses a treadmill. If you're already fit, you can add dumbbells for an extra challenge.

1. Warm Up: On the treadmill, with the incline set at a challenging angle, power walk at a speed of 3-3.5 for 7 minutes. Keep your elbows up above your heart. Stop, get off the treadmill, and stretch.

2. Sprint: Drop the incline to 0, increase the treadmill speed, and sprint hard for 30 seconds. Aim for 90% of your maximum heart rate. To recover, bring your speed down to 3 and walk for one minute.

3. Squats: Get off the treadmill and squat, with your bottom out to the rear and your legs slightly apart. Then jump from the squatting position into the air, landing in the same squat position as before. Do this for one set of 15 or 20, working your quadriceps. If you’re already in good shape, hold dumbbells by your sides.

4. Overhead Presses: Do 15 or 20 overhead presses with the weights, pushing them straight up and directly over your shoulders.  

5. Sprint: Get back on the treadmill and sprint for 30 seconds (no incline). The goal is to be at 80% of your maximum heart rate. To recover, decrease your speed to 3.0 and walk for one minute.

View the original article here

10 Workout Mantras That'll Get Your Butt Moving

We hear you: Getting #UpnOut for that workout isn't always easy. Why hit the gym or the track when you could be watching any number of so-bad-they're-good reality TV shows or catching up on important emails or trying a new look or, you know, sleeping?

The list of excuses to NOT work out is so long it might feel insurmountable to even the most well-intentioned. So what's a fit girl to do? Get a mantra, something you can repeat that'll serve as a little extra oomph on those rough days.

We took to Pinterest (the spot for this kind of fitspiration!) to find some of the best workout mantras out there. We found everything from quirky-cute to earnest to Ryan Gosling. (Of course. Of course there was Ryan Gosling). Click through to find one that'll help get your butt off the couch. Or, tell us the no-fail mantra that always works for you: We're listening @SELFmagazine.

RELATED LINKS:

View the original article here

Workout Questions

Question 1:  Should a "beginner" take a complete rest day or does it depend on how they feel?  I started working out last Tuesday & took both Saturday & Sunday off to be with family.  I feel like crap now & am wondering if it is because I didn't work out at all.  I plan on doing something daily from now on.

Question 2:  Anybody confined to a wheelchair here?  Just wondering what your workouts look like.

AM (3-4 days per week) - Weight Machines 40 lbs, 10 reps x 3 sets - only 4 machines are accessible at my local YMCA

AM (opposite days) - Arm Ergometer 15 minutes - 30 sec / 1 min speed intervals

PM (daily) - Arm Ergometer 30 minutes - resistance level intervals (level 4.5 for 10 minutes, level 6 for 5 minutes, repeat) & Swim 30 minutes

View the original article here

I find this workout video really hard but is it actually any good?

It's this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTT4W8ygJ7w

I was wondering what other people thought. I found it hard to finish but I'm so unhealthy at the moment. I was put on Zoloft/Sertraline and put on about a stone in a month, and can't seem to lose it, so trying to increase my activity levels and eat healthier more.

View the original article here

My New Outdoor Workout BFF: Switch Portable Speaker

It's finally spring here in New York (although you wouldn't know by today's icky weather), and it's been so inspiring to see all of the personal training sessions and boot camps going on in Brooklyn's Prospect Park every morning while I walk my dog. There is nothing like a good outdoor workout to get your day started -- especially a good outdoor workout with some rockin' tunes. That's why I'm loving Native Union's new Switch portable bluetooth speaker that syncs up with my phone to broadcast my music on the go. Now I seriously don't want to leave home without it.

Because, let's face it: Ear buds are great for running, but they get in the way if you're trying to do anything that involves different types of movements -- and they're kinda antisocial, at that. And they can be dangerous -- especially if you're working out near the road or at night. Instead, I see myself using Switch all summer while hanging al fresco with friends -- post-surf yoga sessions at the beach, backyard dinner parties, picnics and camping, and (oh, we're supposed to be talking about exercise, right?) impromptu dance parties in the park with the hottest new music out this month.

Switch is super lightweight and barely bigger than a beer bottle, but its sound really amplifies, even in wide open spaces, thanks to what the company refers to as its "active sub-woofer and enhanced bass-reflex system." The lil' nugget of a speaker plays up to 14 hours of music on a single charge (via your computer and a USB cable), and you can use it as a backup battery for your digital devices, too. Switch also has a microphone and a cool conference call feature for business purposes, but then again, who wants to talk about business? I'd rather just go find a grassy spot in the sun, sync Switch to my phone, open up my Yogify app and get my outdoor om on.

Do you use portable speakers to compliment your outdoor workouts? Tweet us your tips at @amandaemac and @SELFmagazine!

RELATED LINKS:

Image Credit: Courtesy Photo

View the original article here

Advice on my workout routine?

I'm starting to ramp my workout routine back up after a 6 month semi-lull. I wouldn't mind losing a couple pounds I've gained over this time (currently at age 35, 5'5'' and 122 pounds, small frame) but my primary goals are to improve strength, endurance, and general fitness, and to feel really good emotionally and physically.

I have never liked weight lifting but I know that I am fairly weak and really want to improve my strength. I ordered the book NROLW and hope to receive that very soon. I do not have access to a gym, so I'm hoping to buy a barbell set. I've seen some advertised that are 100 pounds- is this enough? I'm quite weak now but want to keep working on that, and I'm just not sure this is enough. Also, I'm hoping to limit weight lifting days to twice per week. Not sure what NROLW will say about that- but do you think I can make appropriate strength gains with only 2 lifting days?

My other workouts are as follows:

2  days of 2 1/2 mile runs (I run for a bit, then do exercises such as push ups, jumping jacks, squats, etc, then run for a bit, repeat, to keep the intensity of the run up).

1 day of Insanity (high intensity cardio, basically).

1 day longer run (working up to 4-5 miles).

I'm hesitant to replace a cardio day with another weight day because, well, I love cardio and I feel like it's been really effective for me in managing mild depression and anxiety that I struggle with. But I'm open to suggestions!

TIA with any advice you might have!

View the original article here

Look forward to rest day, but feel like feel like lazibones if I don't workout?

So I keep a pretty good workout schedule 6 days a week.  LOTs of cardio, because just done 7wk of 10 in a training for first triathlon program. I have added some full body strength training 2x/wk.  I also work 2.5hrs every Sunday on CSA farm.

Monday(s) are my rest days.  Believe me, my body could use it after yesterday, and the other weekend activity.  However, when I get home, I know I'll want to do some sort of workout, because I'll feel like I should.  I will generally do something light (stretching, play/dancing w/ my daughter or light yoga), because I feel like a load if I don't do anything. But even with that I feel I should do more weights or even more cardio.

I don't get why I just can't enjoy the day off working out?

View the original article here

how many calories should i be eating and i need a workout buddy!

I'm 21 year old female 5'6 and 300 pounds.

Does anyone know the healthy weight for my age and how many calories I should be eating? This will help so much!

Also i need a workout buddy to help me when i lose motivation! I haven't yet, but maybe i will!

My problem is not working out, it's eating better and more healthy!

View the original article here

Can Workout Pants Made With Caffeine Really Reduce Cellulite?

Guys, I have seen some crazy things while writing for Flash -- and reviewed 'em -- but one of the strangest products I've recently stumbled upon on these Hu Nu Woo-Hoo Slim Capris, $93, which are caffeinated, supposedly to help stop cellulite and increase fat burn. So, I've been wearing these babies (pictured here) for a few hours a day for a few days now -- and while I haven't been all that scientific about it, I do think my legs look pretty freaking good.

Hu Nu recently launched in the U.S., and you may start to see their stuff popping up at Equinox's in-house shops around the country. Their activewear is made from Supplex Nylon, so it's moisture-wicking, quick-drying and antibacterial (and anti-stink). It also wears really well, is super comfy and looks great on, if I do say so myself.

The Woo-Hoo Slim Capris are also made with "Revolutional Slim" fabric from Italy, that is infused with caffeine, aloe and Vitamin E. Apparently, this fabric has just the right amount of breathability to stimulate the skin's microcirculation, therefore reducing the appearance of "orange peel effect" and even thigh circumference. (I'm not convinced they're much different than other high-end workout pants out there, but hey, at least they're not see-through!)

Just for kicks, I measured my thigh circumference last week before trying these pants on, and I can say that it hasn't magically shrunk at all. But I do feel great in these capris, and they're awesome for working out -- sooo, maybe that's why it's been a bit easier to squeeze into my skinny jeans?

(Tip: Order a size up! I'm usually a small but the medium fits me perfectly.)

Would you try caffeine-infused pants? Tweet us at @amandaemac and @SELFmagazine.

RELATED LINKS:

Image Credit: Courtesy Photo

View the original article here

Is This a Decent Workout?

Hi everyone! Just got back from college, and boy did it do a number on my weight haha. I'm dedicating this summer to working out and getting fit.

Anyway I've been attempting this workout for the past 2 weeks (now on my 3rd).

Morning: 25 Push-ups holding the last one for 20 seconds, and a minute of side planks on each side.

Noon: (longer workout) consist of 30 seconds of Mountain Climbers, then Planks, and Knee to Elbow Crunches nonstop for 4 reps. Then I head out and go for a Jog for 20-30 minutes. Get back and do 30 pushups along with a minute and 20 seconds of planks. I've also been working out my biceps by using suitcases as dumbbells (money is a bit tight right now and can't afford to go to the gym). I've never done this before so I started low with just 11 pounds and 2 reps of 20 on each arm.

Night: Same as my morning routine, with an addition of 2: 30 second reps of Mountain Climbers, then Planks, and Knee to Elbow Crunches nonstop.

I increase everything weekly by 5 more (20 push-ups one week 25 the next), 10 more seconds on planks, and 2-3 pounds more on the suitcases.

I've also been watching my calories and also beefed up my protein intake.

Should I add/remove anything? All opinions are appreciated!

Personally I'm trying to tone my body more than lose weight (flatten my stomach), but I figured I need to lose some more weight first before that, that and you can spot reduce

View the original article here

Interval Training Workout Routines for Walking, Running, Rowing, and More

Interval Training Workout Routines for Walking, Running, Rowing, and More ';adString += '';if (adstesting == 'true'){}else{$('#bannerAd_rdr').html(adString);}//--> Skip to content Enter Search Keywords. Use the arrow keys to navigate suggestions. Health A-Z

Common Conditions

View All ADD/ADHD Allergies Arthritis Cancer Cold, Flu & Cough Depression Diabetes Eye Health Heart Disease Heartburn/GERD Pain Management Sexual Conditions Skin Problems Sleep Disorders

Featured Topics

Identifying Bugs and Their Bites Bothered by Yeast Infections? The Worst Shoes for Your Feet WebMD Symptom Checker Health concern on your mind?

See what your medical symptoms could mean, and learn about possible conditions.

Learn More

Resources

WebMD Expert Blogs: Read expert views and commentary on popular health topics. WebMD Communities: Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life. WebMD Physician Directory: Find a doctor in your area.

WebMD Pain Coach

Track your pain levels, triggers, and treatments. Set goals and get tips with our app for iPhone. Drugs & Supplements

Find Information About:

Drugs & Supplements

Get information and reviews on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Search by name or medical condition.

Find or Review a Drug Find or Review a Vitamin or Supplement Find Drug Coupons Drug Basics & Safety

Commonly Abused Drugs What's Your Medication IQ? Food, Medical Product & Cosmetic Safety WebMD Pill Identifier Having trouble identifying your pills?

Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill.

Learn More

Drug News

Get the Latest Drug Approvals & Alerts Find FDA Consumer Updates Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox. FDA Approves Diet Pill Belviq FDA Delays Decision on Blood Thinner Eliquis

WebMD Mobile Drug Information App

Drug, supplement, and vitamin information on the go. Living Healthy

Featured Content

Want luxurious locks?

WebMD cuts through the hype to reveal the best kept secrets for healthy hair.

Living Healthy at a Glance

Living Healthy Centers

View All Diet, Food & Fitness

Weight Loss & Diet Plans Food & Recipes Fitness & Exercise Beauty, Balance & Love

Healthy Beauty Health & Balance Sex & Relationships Oral Care Living Well

Women's Health Men's Health Aging Well Teens

Featured Topics

BMI Calculator: Get Personalized Results Portion Size Plate: Easy Serving Size Guide Your Birth Control Options 19 Secrets Men Wish Women Knew Quiz: Weird, Crazy Dreams Food & Fitness Planner: Personalize Your Weight Loss Plan

WebMD the Magazine App

Get every issue of WebMD the Magazine with a free subscription for your iPad. Family & Pregnancy

Featured Content

Traveling abroad?

Protect yourself and your family by learning which health precautions and vaccines are advised for your destination.

Family & Pregnancy at a Glance

Family and Pregnancy Centers

Pregnancy Trying to Conceive First Trimester Second Trimester Third Trimester Parenting Newborn & Baby Children's Health Children's Vaccines Raising Fit Kids Pets Healthy Cats Healthy Dogs

Featured Topics

Know the Signs of Early Pregnancy? Test Your Smarts: What's Safe to Eat When You're Pregnant? Peek Inside the Womb to See How Baby Grows Healthy School Lunches Quiz: Know How to Avoid The Next Toddler Meltdown? WebMD Vaccine Tracker: Manage Vaccinations for Your Entire Family

WebMD Baby App

Get parenting tips, track schedules, and create a mobile baby book. News & Experts

News

View All Today's Top Health Headlines Get the Latest Drug Approvals & Alerts Find FDA Consumer Updates On The Road Again: FDA Mobile Laboratories Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox.

WebMD Health Experts and Community

Talk to health experts and other people like you in WebMD's Communities. It's a safe forum where you can create or participate in support groups and discussions about health topics that interest you.

WebMD Experts & Blogs

Read expert views and commentary on popular health topics. WebMD Communities

Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life. WebMD Answers

Got a health question? Get answers provided by leading organizations, doctors, and experts.

Get Answers

WebMD Newsletters

Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox. My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer Show more Information If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success Manage your family's vaccinations Join the conversation See more benefits Sign Up Why WebMD? My WebMD Show Menu My Tools My WebMD Pages My Account Sign Out FacebookTwitterPinterest WebMD Home Fitness & Exercise Center Fitness & Exercise Feature Stories Email a Friend Print Article if (pf_param == "true") {printElements();} Fitness & Exercise Fitness 411Exercise Myths Your Exercise Personality Best Teen Workout Shoes Exercises for Sore Knees Cheap Home Gym 5-Minute Desk Workout webmd.m.share.init(); Font Size A A A webmd.m.fontSizer.init(); Interval Training: How to Get Started ByAnnabelle Robertson
WebMD Feature Reviewed byBrunilda Nazario, MD

Looking for a way to drop extra pounds and get in shape ASAP? Then it may be time for you to start interval training. 

Interval training combines short bursts of intense activity, called intervals, with periods of lower intensity, or rest periods. Switching between the two makes your body work harder, burning more calories faster than it would at a steady, moderate pace. 

"You’ve got to be disciplined with it, but you don’t have to do it much, or for too long," says Doug Katona, a strength and conditioning coach who trains world-class athletes at his CrossFit Endurance gym in Newport Beach, Calif. 

"Instead of 45 minutes on a recumbent bike, reading a magazine, give me 15 minutes of interval work," Katona says. "It will be more challenging, but the workout will go by a lot faster and you’ll really like what your body starts to look like. After a few sessions, you’ll actually enjoy the workouts."

How to Start Interval Training

In some sports, including swimming, you’ll stop between intervals. In others, such as running, you may keep running, only at a more relaxed pace. Or you may walk. It depends on your level of conditioning and what you hope to accomplish.

It's not just about how fast your heart is beating.

"The important thing about interval training is not the rate of activity; it’s the rate of recovery," Scott Nohejl, a champion rowing coach and founder of the Chatham Area Rowing Association in Savannah, Ga.

If you're not active now, talk to your doctor before you start an intense exercise program.

Walking or running: Warm up first, then mix short bursts of speed of varying lengths, or sprints, into your walk, run, or jog. Those bursts of speed may last 30 seconds to a minute. After each interval, slow down and let your heart rate come back down. Swimming: Swim a length, rest for 30 seconds, swim another length, and repeat until you've swum six lengths, suggests Guy Edson, technical director of the American Swimming Coaches Association. Two days later, aim for seven lengths with 30 seconds of rest, and so on. Then begin shortening your rest. Eventually, you'll do 10 lengths with 15 seconds of rest between lengths. Rowing: Row hard for two minutes, then rest for one minute, and repeat that cycle 10 times, Nohejl suggests.  After two weeks, move up to three-minute intervals with one minute of rest.

You can also do intervals on a stationary bike or with a jump rope.

View Article Sources

SOURCES:

Doug Katona, certified personal trainer and founder and co-owner, CrossFit Endurance, Newport Beach, Calif.

Michael Banks, certified personal trainer and founder/owner, Body by Banks Corporation, Salt Lake City.

American College of Sports Medicine.

Guy Edson, technical director, American Swimming Coaches Association, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Scott Nohejl, founder/president, Chatham Area Rowing Association, Savannah, Ga.

Reviewed on February 28, 2013 © 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. #url_reference {display: none};#url_reference { display: block; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; }#logo_rdr img { visibility: visible; }.titleBar_rdr .titleBarMiddle_fmt { padding-top: 1.5em !important;} Top Picks From Fit: How Celebrities Work Out Exercises to Keep Bones Strong Foods That Will Help You Bulk Up Exercising With Diabetes: Top Tips How The Avengers Stars Stay in Shape Is Exercise Part of Your Depression Treatment? Further Reading:Slideshow: 7 Risky Exercises and Better BetsWhat is a kettlebell workout?Weight Lifting and Strength Training Tips for TeensGym Smarts: Upper Body (Chest)Gym Smarts: Obliques and Lower AbsTurn Flab Abs Into Fab Abs OvernightTips For Setting Up a Home GymSee All Gym Workouts Topics Related to Nutrition & Fitness Exercises for Arthritis Could You Be Lactose Intolerant? Free Weight Loss & Fitness Tool Managing Sore Muscles Hydration: How Much Do You Know? Pilates for Beginners Gym Workouts Home Medical Reference Features Video Slideshows & Images WebMD Answers Quizzes Health Tools Expert Commentary News Archive Fitness & Exercise Exercise Benefits Tips for Success Get Lean Get Strong Fuel Your Body Expert Help Weight Loss & Diet Plans Weight Loss Basics Popular Diet Plans Weight Loss Strategies Tools and Calculators Diet Support Food & Recipes Nutrition Cooking Tips Recipes Special Diets Food Resources Healthy Eating Guides Gluten Free High Protein Low Sodium Omega-3s Vegetarian See what others are asking about

Visit WebMD Answers

Related To Fitness BMI Calculator Calories Burned Calculator Exercise Questions and Answers Sports Injuries A to Z Workouts A to Z More Living Healthy Healthy Living Tools See All Tools Ditch Those Inches

Set goals, tally calorie intake, track workouts and more, all via WebMD’s free Food & Fitness Planner.

Get Started Today in Fitness & Exercise Slideshow Infections Lurking in the Locker Room Slideshow Get Flatter Abs   Slideshow Build a Better Butt Quiz Test Your Sports Injury Savvy   Article Tips for Exercising With Diabetes Interactive How to Do Basic Stretches   Slideshow The 30-Minute Workout Routine Video Belly Fat and Your Heart: The Connection   Slideshow 15 Pilates Moves That Get Results Video Exercise Well Even With Allergies   Article 6 Exercise Traps Teens Should Avoid Article Taylor Lautner's Workout   Subscribe to WebMD Newsletters

WebMD Daily Women's Health Men's Health Weight Loss Wisdom I have read and agree to WebMD's Privacy Policy. Sign up for more topics! WebMD Special Sections Healthy Recipe Finder Top Diet, Fitness and Beauty Tips Health Solutions From Our Sponsors Vaccine Questions? Help for Joint Pain What is Depression? Birth Control for Moms Injectable RA Treatment Fibromyalgia Pain? Diagnosed With Low T? Fibromyalgia & Exercise Chronic Low Back Pain High Triglycerides? Hearing Aid Alternative Bent Fingers? Are You Depressed? Treating Fibromyalgia Crohn’s Disease Help In-depth coverage: Recognizing & Treating Depression|Healthy Mouth Help|RA Assessment|Living Healthy Guide|Family & Pregnancy Toolbox|Low Testosterone Find us on:URAC: Accredited Health Web SiteHonCode: Health on the Net FoundationAdChoicesAbout WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact UsMedscape Reference eMedicineHealth RxList Medscape MedicineNet BootsWebMD WebMD CorporateFirst Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory

©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

View the original article here

Your Workout Options: Choosing the Best Exercise Plan for You

';adString += '';if (adstesting == 'true'){}else{$('#bannerAd_rdr').html(adString);}//--> Skip to content Enter Search Keywords. Use the arrow keys to navigate suggestions. Health A-Z

Common Conditions

View All ADD/ADHD Allergies Arthritis Cancer Cold, Flu & Cough Depression Diabetes Eye Health Heart Disease Heartburn/GERD Pain Management Sexual Conditions Skin Problems Sleep Disorders

Featured Topics

Identifying Bugs and Their Bites Bothered by Yeast Infections? The Worst Shoes for Your Feet WebMD Symptom Checker Health concern on your mind?

See what your medical symptoms could mean, and learn about possible conditions.

Learn More

Resources

WebMD Expert Blogs: Read expert views and commentary on popular health topics. WebMD Communities: Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life. WebMD Physician Directory: Find a doctor in your area.

WebMD Pain Coach

Track your pain levels, triggers, and treatments. Set goals and get tips with our app for iPhone. Drugs & Supplements

Find Information About:

Drugs & Supplements

Get information and reviews on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Search by name or medical condition.

Find or Review a Drug Find or Review a Vitamin or Supplement Find Drug Coupons Drug Basics & Safety

Commonly Abused Drugs What's Your Medication IQ? Food, Medical Product & Cosmetic Safety WebMD Pill Identifier Having trouble identifying your pills?

Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill.

Learn More

Drug News

Get the Latest Drug Approvals & Alerts Find FDA Consumer Updates Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox. FDA Approves Diet Pill Belviq FDA Delays Decision on Blood Thinner Eliquis

WebMD Mobile Drug Information App

Drug, supplement, and vitamin information on the go. Living Healthy

Featured Content

Want luxurious locks?

WebMD cuts through the hype to reveal the best kept secrets for healthy hair.

Living Healthy at a Glance

Living Healthy Centers

View All Diet, Food & Fitness

Weight Loss & Diet Plans Food & Recipes Fitness & Exercise Beauty, Balance & Love

Healthy Beauty Health & Balance Sex & Relationships Oral Care Living Well

Women's Health Men's Health Aging Well Teens

Featured Topics

BMI Calculator: Get Personalized Results Portion Size Plate: Easy Serving Size Guide Your Birth Control Options 19 Secrets Men Wish Women Knew Quiz: Weird, Crazy Dreams Food & Fitness Planner: Personalize Your Weight Loss Plan

WebMD the Magazine App

Get every issue of WebMD the Magazine with a free subscription for your iPad. Family & Pregnancy

Featured Content

Traveling abroad?

Protect yourself and your family by learning which health precautions and vaccines are advised for your destination.

Family & Pregnancy at a Glance

Family and Pregnancy Centers

Pregnancy Trying to Conceive First Trimester Second Trimester Third Trimester Parenting Newborn & Baby Children's Health Children's Vaccines Raising Fit Kids Mom's Guide to Winter Family Health Pets Healthy Cats Healthy Dogs

Featured Topics

Know the Signs of Early Pregnancy? Test Your Smarts: What's Safe to Eat When You're Pregnant? Peek Inside the Womb to See How Baby Grows Healthy School Lunches Quiz: Know How to Avoid The Next Toddler Meltdown? WebMD Vaccine Tracker: Manage Vaccinations for Your Entire Family

WebMD Baby App

Get parenting tips, track schedules, and create a mobile baby book. News & Experts

News

View All Today's Top Health Headlines Get the Latest Drug Approvals & Alerts Find FDA Consumer Updates On The Road Again: FDA Mobile Laboratories Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox.

WebMD Health Experts and Community

Talk to health experts and other people like you in WebMD's Communities. It's a safe forum where you can create or participate in support groups and discussions about health topics that interest you.

WebMD Experts & Blogs

Read expert views and commentary on popular health topics. WebMD Communities

Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life. WebMD Answers

Got a health question? Get answers provided by leading organizations, doctors, and experts.

Get Answers

WebMD Newsletters

Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox. My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer Show more Information If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success Manage your family's vaccinations Join the conversation See more benefits Sign Up Why WebMD? My WebMD Show Menu My Tools My WebMD Pages My Account Sign Out FacebookTwitterPinterest WebMD Home Fitness & Exercise Center Fitness & Exercise Feature Stories Email a FriendPrint Article Fitness & Exercise Fitness 411Exercise Myths Your Exercise Personality Best Teen Workout Shoes Exercises for Sore Knees Cheap Home Gym 5-Minute Desk Workout Font Size A A A Find the Best Workout for You Ready to get moving? Here's expert advice on finding a fitness routine you'll want to do. ByAnnabelle Robertson
WebMD Feature Reviewed byKimball Johnson, MD

Want to start exercising but hate the gym? Short on time or motivation? Or maybe you're feeling so out of shape that you don't know where to start?

There is hope, experts say. All you have to do is focus on exercising in a way that suits your personality, lifestyle, and fitness level.

Your Best Diet

The real secret to eating healthier and losing weight is finding a diet youcan stick to – one that suits your tastes and lifestyle. WebMD has theinformation and tools you need to help you find your own personal dietstrategy.

Do It Your Way DesignYour Own Diet What'sYour Diet Personality? Find the Perfect Workout for You TheBest Diet Foods Expert Reviews ofthe Latest Diets Food and FitnessPlanner Videos and Slideshows 25 Waysto Lose Weight Without Dieting The BestDiet Tips Ever Comparing PopularDiets Real-Life Weight Loss Advice Ask an Expert: Dr. PamPeeke Recipe Makeovers: Elaine Magee, MS, RD Dieting Club: 25-50 Pounds © 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. If You Can't Stand the Gym

Never fear. You can still get in shape because movement -- the very thing needed for increased fitness -- can take place anywhere.

"Take a walk, ride a bike, or go for a hike," says Scott Lucett, director of education for the National Academy of Sports Medicine. "Or, perform an exercise routine outdoors at a park using your own body weight." Ideas include pushups, squats, squat jumps, crunches, and planks.

Also consider outdoor group classes. They're taking place at parks all over the country, even during winter, and many invite children and babies to join in. If classes aren't your style, look into an adult recreational league. They're in every city and cover sports from soccer to ultimate Frisbee.

If You're Seriously Out of Shape

Take it slow and look for activities that will give you a more active lifestyle, says Cedric Bryant, chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise.

"Exergames like Wii Fit are a good way to take someone who's a couch potato and give them a little exercise," Bryant says. "By doing something that might be a bit more fun, you might be able to sneak in a little dose of exercise. And the intensity tends to be low or moderate."

Look for simple opportunities to move during your daily routine. "Wear a pedometer and make it a goal to take more and more steps each day with the ultimate goal of getting up to 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day," Bryant says.

Lucett suggests beginners start with 10-minute walks -- five minutes out and five minutes back -- then gradually increase that by two or three minutes each week. "The next thing you know," Lucett says, "you'll be walking 30 minutes a day." He also says, though, that people who are seriously out of shape should get approval from their doctor before beginning any exercise program.

If You're Social

Group activities may be your best way to get in shape. Groups allow social butterflies to be around lots of people and enjoy camaraderie while also getting fit. Dancing is one of the most popular group activities.  

If you like the gym, consider Zumba, the newest group exercise craze. That will get you moving and burning calories to Latin dance rhythms. Other choices include country line dancing, swing, salsa, hip hop, or ballroom dancing. If you have two left feet -- and no intention of reforming -- consider a running, walking, cycling, or hiking club. You'll share a common theme for your exercise, and you'll also enjoy the social networking that takes place outside the workouts.

1 | 2 | 3 Next Page > #url_reference {display: none};#url_reference { display: block; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; }#logo_rdr img { visibility: visible; }.titleBar_rdr .titleBarMiddle_fmt { padding-top: 1.5em !important;} Top Picks From Fit: How Celebrities Work Out Exercises to Keep Bones Strong Foods That Will Help You Bulk Up Exercising With Diabetes: Top Tips How The Avengers Stars Stay in Shape Is Exercise Part of Your Depression Treatment? Further Reading: Least Effective Exercises Slideshow What is a kettlebell workout? Weight Lifting and Strength Training Tips for Teens Are Gyms Hotbeds of MRSA Infections? Maybe Not Gym Smarts: Upper Body (Chest) Gym Smarts: Obliques and Lower Abs Turn Flab Abs Into Fab Abs Overnight See All Gym Workouts Topics Related to Nutrition & Fitness Exercises for Arthritis Does Exercise Give You Heartburn? Exercises and Tips for Bladder Control Managing Sore Muscles Hydration: How Much Do You Know? Pilates for Beginners Gym Workouts Home Medical Reference Features Video Slideshows & Images WebMD Answers Quizzes Health Tools Expert Commentary News Archive Fitness & Exercise Exercise Benefits Tips for Success Get Lean Get Strong Fuel Your Body Expert Help Weight Loss & Diet Plans Weight Loss Basics Popular Diet Plans Weight Loss Strategies Tools and Calculators Diet Support Food & Recipes Nutrition Cooking Tips Recipes Special Diets Food Resources Healthy Eating Guides Gluten Free High Protein Low Sodium Omega-3s Vegetarian See what others are asking about

Visit WebMD Answers

Related To Fitness BMI Calculator Calories Burned Calculator Exercise Questions and Answers Sports Injuries A to Z Workouts A to Z More Living Healthy Healthy Living Tools See All Tools Ditch Those Inches

Set goals, tally calorie intake, track workouts and more, all via WebMD’s free Food & Fitness Planner.

Get Started Today in Fitness & Exercise Slideshow Infections Lurking in the Locker Room Slideshow Get Flatter Abs   Slideshow Build a Better Butt Quiz Test Your Sports Injury Savvy   Article Tips for Exercising With Diabetes Interactive How to Do Basic Stretches   Slideshow The 30-Minute Workout Routine Video Belly Fat and Your Heart: The Connection   Slideshow 15 Pilates Moves That Get Results Video Exercise Well Even With Allergies   Article 6 Exercise Traps Teens Should Avoid Article Taylor Lautner's Workout   Subscribe to WebMD Newsletters

WebMD Daily Women's Health Men's Health Weight Loss Wisdom I have read and agree to WebMD's Privacy Policy. Submit Sign up for more topics! WebMD Special Sections Healthy Recipe Finder Top Diet, Fitness and Beauty Tips Health Solutions From Our Sponsors Vaccine Questions? Low Testosterone? Bipolar Disorder Facts Birth Control for Moms Blood Sugar Control Bent Fingers? Diagnosed With Low T? Fibromyalgia & Exercise Depression & Adults Child with Diabetes? Vaccines for All Ages Knee Pain Relief Itchy, Scaly Skin? Hearing Aid Alternative Relapsing MS Help In-depth coverage: Psoriasis Treatment on Target?|Healthy Mouth Help|RA Assessment|Living Healthy Guide|Family & Pregnancy Toolbox|Check Your Heartburn Symptoms Find us on:URAC: Accredited Health Web SiteHonCode: Health on the Net FoundationAdChoicesAbout WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact UsMedscape Reference eMedicineHealth RxList Medscape MedicineNet BootsWebMD WebMD CorporateMedical Dictionary-->First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory

©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

View the Original article