Spring Forward to Action 30-Day Challenge Day 6: Cardio

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

07 Apr 2006 04:12 AM

Happy Friday! How are you feeling today? It's the sixth day of our Spring Forward to Action 30-Day Challenge. If you have joined the daily workouts faithfully, give yourself a firm slap on the back and hearty congratulations. Tomorrow, you are going to enjoy a day of rest that is well earned. If you have only worked some of the days according to your personal goals, then congratulations to you as well!

Take a moment to write down in your journal how your workout plan is proceeding. Check out the action plan you wrote, are you on target? Are you missing more days than hitting? Are you feeling challenged in the physical portion of the workout? Grade your progress, grade the workout and grade how you are feeling.

It is not uncommon to feel mild soreness and light aches and pains. These should gradually vanish during the workout each day. If you are experiencing a lot of muscle fatigue and pain, it could be that you are working out too hard or need to give your muscles a longer recovery time.

For today's cardio workout, choose from our list of options. Your cardio should take no longer than 20 to 30 minutes. We're going to be increasing our intensity next week, but we will be maintaining our time. The idea is to get an efficient workout in an easy to fill timeslot.

Be sure you are hydrating before, during and after your workout. Make sure you limber up with a couple of light stretches. Ready? Okay, let's begin. Choose your own activity or perform one of the following:

• 21-Minute Incline Treadmill
• 21-Minute Speed Increase Treadmill
• 20-Minute Brisk Walk in the Outdoors (Take the dog out for a walk)
• 15-Minute Trampoline Bounce (Oh yes, this can definitely get the heart rate up)
• 20-Minute Chance to Dance
• 20 to 30 Minute Mall Haul

How are you doing? Be sure to note your progress in your journal. Also, in the food for thought section, finish this sentence: I am proud of myself today because I have .....

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger