Hello,

It's said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The same applies to exercise. Do the same exercise over a period of time, and the human body adjusts. The same exercise becomes easier (and you burn less calories) over a period of time, since the body becomes 'efficient' at it. HIIT training is the answer - it makes your training more exciting and delivers new results. 

Take your cardio workout to a new level with HIIT.

Can you think of anything more torturous than spending an hour pedaling away on a bike or plodding along on the treadmill? You're not alone. Most exercise enthusiasts dread conventional cardio - why?

It's b-o-r-i-n-g.

So why do it at all? The goal of a cardio workout is to lose the unwanted inches and to develop the efficiency of your heart and lungs. But new studies are out that show our slow-go cardio sessions may not be as effective for burning off that holiday weight as we thought.

When you use the treadmill at an even pace, your body enters what is called a steady state. This means that your body has adjusted to the pace and is now trying to conserve energy.

Conserve energy? But isn't the point to burn energy?

And so your dilemma goes: You can't stand the monotony of traditional cardio and it leaves you with less than satisfactory results. So what should you do?

• Start with an easy 4 minute warm up, casually increasing your pace to the one that you usually maintain for your workout.
• Once you are sufficiently warm, sky rocket your intensity for 30 seconds.
• Return to your normal pace for the next 30 seconds and then sky rocket again.
• Repeat this 30-30 interval for 6 minutes and then gradually decrease your intensity as you enter a cooling off pace.

After your HIIT session you can expect to burn more calories due to an increase in your metabolism - sounds good, right? If you aren't ready to jump into a full-fledged HIIT session, try on of the following modified HIIT workouts:

Modified HIIT 1:

• Start with at least a 5 minute warm up, casually increasing your pace to the one that you usually maintain for your workout.
• Once you are sufficiently warm, increase your intensity for a full minute.
• Return to your normal pace and remain here until you have recovered enough to go again.
• Repeat this 1 minute interval with full recovery time between each one for the full extent of your workout and then gradually decrease your intensity as you enter a cooling off pace.
  

• Start with at least a 5 minute warm up, casually increasing your pace to the one that you usually maintain for your workout.
• Once you are sufficiently warm, change your speed and intensity for 2 minutes.
• Return to your normal pace for 2 minutes and then change your intensity and speed again. The key is to keep your body guessing - you aren't doing full intensity work, but you also aren't staying at the same pace for the entire length of the workout.
• Repeat this 2 minute interval for the full extent of your workout and then gradually decrease your intensity as you enter a cooling off pace.

There you have it - all you need to take your cardio workout to the next level. Do you have questions about the information presented in this newsletter? Or how would you like to slim down during the holidays? I can help. And best of all I have many more strategies and techniques to help you achieve maximum results in minimum time.

I want to meet with you, one-on-one, to design an exercise program that will fit your unique goals. Call or come in today to get started!

Foods that are rich in fiber fill you up without fattening you up! Take time this holiday season to enjoy whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Enjoy fibrous food as a nutritious and beneficial snack!

The holidays are here and that means deserts galore. Try this Pumpkin Carmel Flan as a lighter alternative. You probably know that most of the fat in pies is found in the crust - well this delicious dish gives you all of the pumpkin taste that you love without the guilt-ridden crust. Yields 10 servings.

Ingredients:

Carmel:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons water

Flan:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated skim milk
• 3/4 cup egg substitute
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the sugar and water in a heavy-gauged saucepan over medium heat. Stir while sugar melts. Let mixture boil without stirring for at least 5 minutes or until the liquid turns golden brown. Immediately pour into a 9” baking dish.

2. Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl - set aside. Mix the pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg substitute and vanilla in a bowl. Add the dry ingredients and blend well. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

3. Place the dish in a larger pan and pour hot water into the larger pan until the water comes halfway up the edge of the baking dish. Bake for 1 hour or until flan is set.

4. Cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 1 day before serving. Before serving run a sharp knife around the edge of the flan and invert onto a platter, making sure that the caramel runs down the top and sides. Garnish with sprinkled cinnamon and chopped nuts. Enjoy.

Nutrition facts: Here by popular demand, I will now be displaying the nutritional facts for the healthy recipes included in each newsletter. Check out how our Pumpkin Carmel Flan measures up against Traditional Pumpkin Pie - 120 fewer calories and 16 grams less fat.

Pumpkin Carmel Flan
Calories: 200
Total fat: 1g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrate: 43g

Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Calories: 320
Total fat: 17g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrate: 47g

Know anyone who could use these valuable tips and ideas? Give them a subscription to this newsletter by using the "refer a friend" link below!

Phone Fitness Trainer

Toning For Women

Best Weight Loss Programs

Total Activation Personal Training