Jonathon Cane - The Complete Idiots Concise Guide to Short Workouts

Way back in the twentieth century, the main problem faced by those of us who tried to encourage people to exercise was convincing them of the many benefits of working out. Whether it was the talk of decreased injury, lower blood pressure, or just plain good looks, by the time the century came to a close, millions of Americans were believers. Unfortunately, many of these converts found themselves faced with a new set of challenges: balancing 60-hour work weeks, family life, and an attempt at a social life left precious little time to exercise.

Weve all seen the hyperbole-filled TV infomercials that stop just short of promising to transform a couch potato into a pro beach volleyball player with just eight minutes of exercise a day. Weve also seen the movie-star action hero who works out four hours a day to achieve that implausibly gorgeous body. Luckily for us real people, theres something in-between. Thats where we come in.

While were not so bold as to claim that the short workouts that we outline will perform miracles, were confident that they can help you toward your fitness goals. As you read this book, youll find everything from quick exercises you can do at your desk or in your hotel room to thorough 60-minute gym routines. Maybe 15 minutes of jumping rope and stretching isnt as good as a two-hour session at a state-of-the-art gym, but it sure beats wolfing a doughnut while you sit at your computer monitor wishing you had more time to exercise.

Extras

Additional information is presented alongside the text. Youll find sidebars in each chapter containing four types of informational inserts.

STOP SHORT

This sidebar highlights issues that ensure that you have a safe workout. Heeding these warnings will help you stay free of pain and injury.

INFO TO GO

These sidebars contain tidbits and anecdotes that you might find fun and informative.

SHORT CUTS

Tips to make your exercise a little more effective and efficient. These pointers alert you to little things that can make the difference between a so-so workout and a great one.

WORKOUT WORDS

Here youll find clear, concise definitions of new terms introduced in the text. You may have a hard time working your new vocabulary into dinner conversation, but it will help in the gym.

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In This Chapter

• Efficient workouts save time
• Short workouts are better than no workouts
• Exercise is the best stress-buster
• Exercise keeps you going

Although we assume there are a few people out there who would rather be built like Bugs Bunny instead of Michael Jordan or, say, Olive Oyl rather than Jessica Rabbit, most of us would take svelte over soft, firm over flabby. The issue for most of us isnt desire. Few people who have ever worked out doubt that exercise is good for your body and mind. The problem for most of us over the age of 21 isnt why or how to work out, but when. Ironically, when you were young and had ample time to work out, you didnt really need to.

Without a doubt, the most common reason people offer as to why they miss workouts (or give up exercise entirely) is the ubiquitous Im too busy refrain. Although this is a legitimate excusethe time constraints of work and family are considerablewith regard to health, its the biggest mistake one can make.

Lean-and-mean screen stars such as Sly Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Jamie Lee Curtis can work out all day like mules plowing a dry fieldand why not, their bodies are their meal tickets. But the bottom line is that you can maintain, and even improve, your fitness on less than one hour a day.

Pick Up the Pace

The cowriters of this book admit theyre workout fanatics. Among their friends, the husband-and-wife team of Jonathan and Deidre are known as Mr. and Ms. Endorphin. Deidre is a former two-time national and world power-lifting champ who makes her living as a physical therapist. Jonathan is a competitive cyclist, multisport enthusiast, and exercise physiologist who actually looks forward to footraces up the Empire State Building.

SHORT CUTS

A good way to keep track of time in the gym is to get a digital watch. Start the timer as you enter the gym and pay close attention to your rest periods.