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This can be a tricky area especially when your being your own personal trainer. It’s part of the reason I think its so important to truly and honestly find your why.
Intensity is really about establishing your comfort zone and then pushing/challenging yourself and your boundaries.
You may be surprised to discover that you are capable of much more than you think. Our bodies are such amazing little machines, seriously! Don’t be afraid to test its limits.
When cardio training aim to work at 60-85% of your maximum heart rate (depending on your current fitness levels and your ultimate goals)
A guide to estimating your maximum heart rate:
Maximum Heart Rate (max HR) = 220 – your age
For example a 20 year old would have a maximum heart rate of 200.
Intensity when resistance training is a little different; always aim to reach “failure” by the final repetition on the last set of each exercise. Meaning that you should feel like you couldn’t possibly do another rep if your life depended on it. Then try to push out one or two more reps, always taking extra care. If your form waivers . . . your done.
Exercising with intensity makes the after-effects of your workout stronger and more satisfying. It also helps you bust through plateaus!
Do you think you can up the intensity of your workouts?
This is something I REALLY need to work on. Lately, I have been going pretty much maybe a LITTLE past my comfort zone, then sitting down to watch the DVD finish out. 🙁 🙁
Oh I know it can be so hard. Little by little try to do a bit more of the DVD each day if you can.
Is it possibly to invite a friend or family member to join you?
I know sometimes when I feel like calling it a day in the middle of my workout just knowing there is someone else “watching” is enough to keep me going.
At least your giving it a go and getting some exercise in you should be proud of yourself for that 🙂
Thanks Emma. I try to remind myself that some’s better than none. 🙂
Evie your so right! Keep at it and know that you are not alone. This is something that many of us struggle with, myself included!