The workout of a cardio snob

As I flip through the pages of various Christmas issues of my favorite fitness/women’s magazines, I notice many articles about the benefits of practicing yoga at this stressful time of year. At the risk of sounding like a cardio snob, if I have 30 minutes a day (if I’m lucky) and I have to put on a special outfit in about a month and a half. I’m not going to spend those 30 minutes taking cleansing breaths and stretching.

Don’t get me wrong, if you exercise regularly year-round, you can absolutely benefit from a yoga class 1, maybe 2 times a week. However, if you’re now starting a routine hoping to fit into a size 8, then mom, get ready to sweat. Here is the routine I recommend.

Pick 3 (or at least 2) cardio activities to avoid burnout (see list below).

Do 1 of these activities for at least 30 minutes (45 or 60 minutes if your schedule allows) 4 times a week. This should include a 3-5 minute warm up and a 3-5 minute cool down (you can stretch while you wait in line at the deli).

Perform strength training moves using free weights, stability ball, or nautilus machines for 30 minutes (preferably 45 or 60 minutes) 2 times a week. This should include 3-5 minutes of warming up and 3-5 minutes of stretching. Be sure to focus on any part of the body that is exposed (arms, back, calves, legs, shoulders… you get the point).

Remember, after this routine gets you going and you get into your holiday outfit… GO ON! You can add wonderful activities like yoga, kick boxing, pilates, meditation and the benefits will be: a strong body, beautiful posture, energy tones and a radiant glow. But for now you just need to put on that halter dress!

Cardio Options:

run

walking

work on tape

elliptical trainer

yarn

aerobics and/or kickboxing

ride the bicycle

skate

stair climber