Whether you are having a difficult time fitting in all the workouts that you’d like with your limited time, or you are new to exercise, check out this new concept in exercise.

Traditionally, exercisers perform cardiovascular exercise and strength training separately.  New research suggests that combining the two may not only be a great way to save time, but also reach your goals faster.

Here’s how it works:

After a 5 to 10 minute warm-up, do a set of strength training, followed immediately by a one-minute intense bout of cardiovascular movement.  While you are catching your breath, immediately dive into your next strength exercise.  After that set, jump back to the cardio bout.

The idea is to perform the bout of cardio to a point that keeps the heart rate elevated during the strength exercise.

Sounds intense?  It can be, depending on what how hard you need to work to meet your goals.    It’s all about what you need and want.

 SAMPLE TOTAL BODY WORKOUT 

Step 1: Warmup: 5-10 minutes until you feel like you are breathing hard

Step 2: Dive into a strength exercise (click here for  the strength exercises)

Step 3:  Perform a cardio bout of something that gets your heart rate pumping, ideas include:

-         a sprint or intense incline walk on treadmill

-         jump squats or standing squats

-         running in place

-         stepping up and down on a chair or bench

-         Click here for more ideas 

Step 4:  Repeat Step 2 and 3 until you have gone through each exercise 1-2 times.  The goal is to be exercising at least 30 minutes (45 – 55 minutes is preferred), so you may have to do 3 rounds of each exercise.

Step 5:  Cool down.  Slowly bring the heart rate and breathing back to normal by walking slowly.

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