How To Workout Smarter, NOT Longer

Whether your goal is to lean out, get stronger, or increase your athleticism—free weights and your own bodyweight are the best exercise tools you’ll ever need.  I’ve never been a big fan of fancy gym equipment for a number of reasons.  But what I saw the other day at the gym really proves my point…

As I was working out, I noticed a guy and a gal doing some circuit training using the machines.  The guy went from bicep curls (on the curling machine), to the leg press machine, then on over to the calf raise machine.  The woman went from the adductor machine (that’s the one that works your inner thighs), then to the “buns” machine (donkey kicks), and on over to the tricep pull-down machine. 

So what’s wrong with this picture?

A lot!  First off, going from machine to machine is NOT the best way to circuit train (or train, period!).  The biggest reason is this:  you’ll NEVER be able to maximize your intensity.  And INTENSITY is the single most important key to getting leaner and stronger in the shortest amount of time. 

The pure nature of these fancy (and very expensive) gym machines is to work ONE muscle group at a time.  When you only work one muscle at a time, you simple can’t get your heart rate up enough to burn a lot of fat and calories.  This is why most people feel like they have to workout for an hour—30 minutes of cardio followed by 30 minutes of strength training.  Sound familiar?  Well, the good news is that your workouts don’t (and it shouldn’t) have to be that way…

The best workout routines for fat burning and gaining strength take less than 30 minutes, get you better results, and require only free weights or your own bodyweight.  The best way to burn the MOST fat and maximize your strength is by doing FULL body exercises in various circuit, strength, and interval formats.  Whether you’re at the gym or at home, you can get fit with shorter workouts using only free weights and your own body weight.  Just remember, getting fit doesn’t have to be complicated or require a gym membership.  It’s all about working out smarter, NOT longer.

About The Author

Shin Ohtake is a widely recognized strength coach and fitness & fat-loss expert. His unconventional, no-nonsense approach to getting fit has made him the go-to source for fitness enthusiasts and trainers alike. Shin is also the author of the world famous, MAX Workouts book, which has transformed and reshaped the bodies of thousands of people across the globe - without requiring hours in the gym. To learn more about how MAX Workouts can help you achieve your fitness goals, visit maxworkouts.com.

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