The truth is you can't turn one type of tissue into another. But you can burn more fat and build muscle with short, intense bursts of exercise that raise your heart rate and get your body working as efficiently as possible.
This type of high-intensity training over a short period of time can actually burn more fat than moderately-paced, longer cardio sessions. The key to a workout like this is to strap on a heart rate monitor and keep your heart rate at 80 percent of your target. Try this 15-minute workout every day to start seeing real results.
1. 30 Seconds of Burpees
- Begin in a squat position with hands on the floor in front of you.
- Kick your feet back to a push-up position.
- Immediately return your feet to the squat position.
- Leap up as high as possible from the squat position.
15 Seconds of Rest
Take 15 seconds to catch your breath.
More: How to Add High Intensity Interval Training to Your Workout
2. 20 Split Lunges on Each side
- Stand with one foot forward and one leg behind you.
- Bend both knees and lower your body weight down towards the floor keeping your chest lifted and shoulders open and relaxed.
- Then push up explosively and jump off the ground.
- Switch your legs in mid air and then land with your opposite feet forward and back from where your started.
- As you land, bend both knees to soften the landing.
- Push back up again explosively and switch your legs around back to start position.
15 Seconds of Rest
More: Leg Workout: 6 Moves to Lean Legs
3. 30 Seconds of Mountain Climbers
Video: How to Do Mountain Climbers
- Begin in a push-up position on the hands and toes.
- Bring the right knee in towards the chest, resting the foot on the floor.
- Jump up and switch feet in the air, bringing the left foot in and the right foot extended back.
- Continue alternating the feet as fast as you can.
More: 30-Day Plank Challenge
4. 20 More Split Lunges on Each Side
15 Seconds of Rest
5. 30 Seconds of Tricep Towers
- Start in a plank position on your elbows and toes.
- Keep your alignment, go onto your hands, and do one side at a time.
- Go back down to resting on your elbows.
Repeat the entire series three times.
More: Your Weight-Loss Workout Routine
Stay in shape in a fitness class.
