Have you tried isometrics?

Think about adding isometrics to your strength development tool kit.

 

What is it?

• "…a static contraction, which means that the length of the muscle and angle of the joint don’t change, but the muscles are working."
• "…it’s about spending time under tension to build strength through the muscle."

 

For example, one popular isometric exercise is the plank.

 

Here is video with examples of isometric exercises.

Take it outside

This is one reason why #NordicWalkingGuy likes to get outside. 

Fat-burning zone

An article provided some background on the fat-burning zone we hear about when we think about exercise.

Main point: "...the potential 'zone' for metabolising fat is between the rested state and the level of exercise intensity where carbohydrates become the dominant energy source (in terms of percent contribution to energy demand)."

Discussion points:

• "Even if we were to sit at our desk all day, our body still needs "fuel" to meet energy demands. This energy comes from carbohydrates, proteins, fats and phosphates."
• "...exercising at lower intensities – such as sustained walking or light jogging – doesn't require as much effort by our muscles as sprinting, for example. This means the amount of energy needed by the body is lower, so energy supply predominantly comes from fats."
• "...as exercise intensity increases, fat can't be metabolised fast enough to meet increased energy demand. So the body will use carbohydrates, as these can be metabolised more rapidly. This means there is indeed an exercise intensity where fat is the predominant energy source."

Check out the rest of the article to find out how to take advantage of this knowledge.