April 13, 2015
7 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism Without Intervals
We all know interval training is the best way to burn some serious calories. But if we are being honest, we have to admit that we don't always feel like doing our sprints. Here are 7 ways you can boost your metabolism and burn calories without having to do intervals.
1. Make it a combo
Combining cardio and weights leads to burning more calories. Use hand weights or a weighted vest while walking on the treadmill. A weighted vest can promote all over body toning. Trainer Craig Ramsay says, "when we hold onto dumbbells while walking, our forearms can only grip for so long. These small muscles fatigue much quicker than the larger upper body muscles you're trying to focus on. A weighted vest will provide added resistance to the upper body, helping you achieve an effective resistance training for both the lower body, lower back, and core."2. Do a super set
Keeping your muscles guessing burns more calories. A super set—two exercises performed back-to-back to create one set—provides a metabolic boost. "A super set surprises, challenges, and fatigues your muscles, leading to optimal fat burning potential," says fitness trainer Maria Kang, author of The No More Excuses Diet. Using a challenging dumb bell weight, try a standing bicep curl for 10-12 repetitions, then immediately perform a dumbbell overhead triceps extension for 10-12 reps. Perform 3 sets.3. Minimize your rest time
"Rest time is important for recovery, but resting 2-3 minutes between sets can sometimes lower your chance of burning more calories," says celebrity fitness trainer Donovan Green, author of No Excuses Fitness. Trim your rest time to no more than 60 seconds.