Keep a Smile on Your Face

This weeks health tip is about INTENSITY! 

It would seem like you'd get the best workout by gritting and bearing it, by working at your absolute hardest for as long as you can take it.  But that's only true if you believe weight loss and health is about CALORIES burned.  But if you've listened to any of my Primitive Health and Fitness tips, you've heard me say otherwise.

Ask an athlete how they perform best, and they'll likely say "when I'm relaxed."  I've had to pass a grueling five minute test every time I certified for kettlebells.  You might laugh if you hear "grueling" and "5 minutes" in the same breath, but I promise you it's not for the faint of heart.  By half way your body starts to slow and tighten, it gets harder to keep up with your breath, and it's hard to fight through the discomfort as the clock ticks.

The worst thing you can do in a test like this, OR in your weekly workouts, is to TIGHTEN up and overwork.  It probably seems like you should always put 100% effort into every set or workout.  I'd say the opposite.  You should actually try to stay calm and relaxed as long as possible.  Managing your energy and staying relaxed is key.

So this week in all of your workouts, think about making it as long as you can into each set (or the entire workout) without getting overly tight.  How do you do this?  I'll give you three ways:

1. Deep breath- "In through your nose, and out through your mouth."  That's what I remind people to do in class.  Deep belly breaths are very important to keeping the body relaxed.  Breath is probably your strongest tool against getting too tight.  Breath as you work, and breath as you relax.  It's imperative on both ends.
2. Shake it out-  Keep your body from tightening during the workout by keeping your limbs moving.  In between sets, shake your arms, shoulders or legs to keep them from getting stiff.
3. Keep a smile on it-  No kidding, the longer you can keep a happy smile, or at least a calm face, the better you'll perform.  Remember, we're not trying to submit our bodies into good condition.  We're trying to turn our bodies into lean, mean fat burning machines.  So stay relaxed!

That's your tip of the week.  Now as you hit the gym, the road, or your favorite class, think about maintaining the most RELAXED body you can.  See when you start to get tense, and try some of these tips to work through it.  My guess is that you'll enjoy the workout that much more, and you'll probably perform even better too.

Dedicated to your health,

David Beares

Primitive Health and Fitness Expert

Owner- 39 Minute Workout