LOS ANGELES, Aug 7 — Celebrity trainer David Kirsch is well-known for his work with A-list models and actresses such as Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, Liv Tyler, and Anne Hathaway.
In his latest book, Ultimate Family Wellness, David shares his own story of balancing fatherhood with fitness, and gives his expert advice on how to work out and eat well with the whole family. Here David shares his advice on how to maximise the effects of the most common types of gym machine workouts.
Treadmill
If you are unable (or unwilling) to run, try walking on the treadmill at an incline. Warm up at 3.0 mph and 2 per cent incline and after a minute, up the speed (if you feel comfortable with it) to 3.5 mph and 5 per cent incline. You will soon build up confidence, stamina, and energy to take it up to 10 per cent and beyond (get ready for a major glutes burn) and vary the speed between 3.5 and 4.0 mph.
Elliptical machine
Most elliptical machines allow you to vary both stride length — the larger the number, the closer you are to simulating running — and incline to blast your quads, hip flexors, glutes, and hamstrings. Challenge yourself. I also recommend alternating going forward and reverse every few minutes.
Gauntlet (stair climber)
I don’t think any cardio machine elicits more cries of protestation than this one. Here, a little bit goes a long way to delivering an effective sweat and fat burn. Ten to fifteen minutes at level 10, doing a crossover step, facing right, then left on the machine is as challenging and effective as 30 minutes on the elliptical machine.
Rowing machine
This is still my favourite go-to cardio machine for full-body conditioning. Start at 500-meter intervals, making sure your core is engaged, and press with your legs as you snap with your arms for maximum results. Once you have the form down, increase in 500-metre increments weekly or biweekly.
Versa climber
This machine is not for the faint of heart. For maximum effect and staying power, keep your core engaged and stick out your butt as you climb to exotic places like the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower.
And a five-minute cardio circuit...
This five-minute cardio workout is great for days when you really want to get your blood pumping and is great for those who have already completed a fitness plan and are looking to maintain their results.
1. Rowing machine
Do 250-meter sprints with 30 seconds rest in between each sprint. Work up to three sprints.
2. Treadmill
Do 30-second sprints that push you past your comfort zone. Repeat three times.
3. Jump rope
Perform one minute of high-intensity jumping, then do a 30-second plank. Repeat three times. — AFP-Relaxnews
