We all know that it is much easier to sit on the couch and watch
some television or surf the internet than it is to get up and exercise.
Besides having a healthy diet there is no better thing to do for yourself
than to get some aerobic exercise on a regular basis. It is very hard to
fit in 30, 40 or 60 minutes into our busy schedules. That is why I am a
proponent of “High Intensity Interval Training” (“HIIT”). First choose
your preferred activity such as walking/running, cycling,
elliptical/treadmill or swimming. Then all you need to do is increase to a
fast speed for 20 seconds with a 1 minute slow “recovery” period in
between these high intensity bursts. Do these short 20 second bursts 6
times. Follow that up with 3 FASTER intervals of 15 seconds with the
same 1 minute recovery period after each burst. It should take about
12 minutes for your entire workout! When you don't have to exercise
for an hour, it makes it much easier to work it into your schedule. I
prefer to do this in the morning since it energizes and de-stresses me
simultaneously for the entire day. By doing “High Intensity Interval
Training” you will increase your lung capacity, which is the number one
indicator of longevity. This technique will also train your body to burn
fat after the workout so it can be beneficial for weight-loss, if you
couple this with a healthy diet that is low in white flour. It also
increases oxygenation throughout your entire body thus reducing
inflammation. Finally, this technique keeps the ends of your
chromosomes long and is “Anti-Aging”...not bad for 12 minutes a day!
Of course you want to be wearing comfortable shoes and
“orthotics” to enhance your workout. That is why my motto is “Start
With Your Feet”.
Walk Strong...with orthotics,
Doc Rick DPM