5 Genius Tips for Fast Fitness
Feb
7
2018
Hey Hungry Girl,I’d like to tone up my body, but I don’t have a lot of time to devote to exercise. Is it pointless, or is there a fast and easy way to get fit?
Entry-Level Exerciser
Dear ELE,It’s definitely not pointless! And while it's not my area of expertise, my buddy Robert J. Davis, PhD (a.k.a. the Healthy Skeptic) has a GREAT book called Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get in Shape in Just Minutes a Day. Here are a few fantastic tips according to his (very sound) advice...
Alternate intensity with light activity or rest.
High-intensity interval training, a.k.a. HIIT, allows you to get a beneficial workout in a short time. The premise is that you go all out for a quick burst of time, followed by something low-key. Then repeat! This can actually be more effective than a traditional long-form workout. AWESOME. And Robert has a whole workout plan in his book, complete with explanations and photo demos!
Don't be afraid of weight & strength training.
It's not just for meatheads, people! These exercises can help counteract the loss of muscle and bone strength that naturally happens as we age. (UGH.) And don't worry: You won't transform into a bulky bodybuilder overnight. Lifting medium-sized weights will just tone you up and add definition. Bonus: The more muscle you build, the better your body will become at burning fat.
Prioritize protein.
To gain muscle, your body needs the right building blocks. And when it comes to muscle, that means protein! Make sure you're getting enough from smart sources: chicken breast, lean ground turkey, seafood, eggs, reduced-fat dairy, and lean cuts of pork and beef. (The quickest way to get recipes using those items? Use the search bar on the Hungry Girl website!)
Practice self care to avoid slowing down your progress.
If you push too hard and don't give your body what it needs -- sleep, hydration, a good warmup, etc. -- you could hurt yourself. And if you hurt yourself, you'll be forced to hit the bench, and you won't be able to make progress toward your goals. So don't rush into anything. Start your workout with some light aerobics and stretches, pay attention to your form, and listen to your body. Easy does it -- you'll get where you want to be soon enough!Get face-to-face fitness advice from Robert on the Hungry Girl Cruise!
That's right... Robert will be giving LIVE presentations on the next Hungry Girl Cruise, which sets sail in April! In addition to being an author, Robert's also an award-winning health journalist with a PhD. He'll lead a Fitness & Food Myth Busting session and share his best tips & tricks. Check out more Hungry Girl Cruise info here!
You've got this!
You've got this!
Bonus: FACEBOOK LIVE Chat with Robert tomorrow!
Head over to the Hungry Girl Facebook page tomorrow (Thursday, 2/8) at 3pm PT/6pm ET for a Facebook Live event with Lisa and Robert! Hear more about his “get fit in minutes per day” exercise philosophy, ask him your burning fitness questions, and more. We’ll even be giving away prizes at random! Set yourself a reminder, and BE THERE!Chew on this:
It's February 7th, which means it's National Fettuccine Alfredo Day! You've got to try our latest Alfredo swap, made with Green Giant Veggie Spirals!
If your pals also need some tips on getting fit in a flash, click "Send to a Friend" now!
Have a Question for Hungry Girl?
Send it in! She answers new Qs each week (but cannot respond to emails personally).
We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.
We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.
*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.
Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.
Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.
