Cross Training

I have recently taken a break from pole...to cross train. My shoulder was starting to hurt and I knew I needed to lose some of this extra weight I have been carrying around for too long.

So I signed up for a membership at a gym near my place of work and decided to go and train on my lunch hour. Then I agreed to a free assessment with a trainer there. I had no clue what I was in for and neither did I realize how un-conditioned I was!

The trainer only worked me out for 20 minutes...but it was a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session and I actually puked at the end of the workout. It was intense, taxing to my bodya nd showed me how really out-of-shape I was. I was winded and gasping for breath.

Now, mind you, I have been doing pole routines and cardio and lifting weights at home. But I never pushed myself to that next level of conditioning, and I see why so few go there.

HIIT is the type of training that strips your body of fat, revs up your metabolism, creates a spike in HGH (Human Growth Hormone) in your system, makes your eyes bright and skin glow, and uses every ounce of physical and mental strength you have.

I went ahead and hired the trainer and have only done 8 of these workouts (twice a week) with him, every workout different, and already see results. I'm tighter, my pants are looser and I feel a LOT stronger.

You can find lots of these types of workout videos for free on YouTube and most require no equipment and can be done in your living room. On this page I've included just a small sample that sounds easy (SOUNDS, remember!) until you are in the throes of grinding these movements out without rest!

Try it and see if you don't see an increase in your strength next time you are dancing out a 5-minute routine!