Walking is simple, free, and a natural way to keep moving every day. However, even though it does wonders for your well-being, it might not be sufficient if you’re looking to boost your fitness quickly. An expert in the field, Marcos Vázquez, explains that combining strength training with high-intensity interval workouts can be a better solution.
Here, we’ll discuss a more potent exercise that can help you get fitter faster, all using just your iPhone. We’ll explain why this workout outperforms a simple walk, detailing its advantages for your heart and muscles, and offer essential tips for training smartly from the comfort of your home. Let’s get started.
The best exercise to improve your fitness
Although walking is excellent for keeping you active, incorporating high-intensity activities can further enhance your strength and endurance. The most effective workout to complement your walk is a combination of strength exercises and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training). This method alternates brief periods of vigorous exercise with recovery breaks, giving you a tough workout that doesn’t take too much time.
With your iPhone, you can easily access workouts on platforms like Apple Fitness+. These sessions are designed to be both intense and accessible, often lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. Whether you are doing bodyweight moves, dumbbell lifts, or cardio bursts, the idea is to challenge your body in ways that walking alone might not. The blend of strength and cardio helps you burn calories faster, build muscle, and even improve your heart health.
Tips for training with your iPhone
Modern apps and built-in features make it simple to stay motivated and track your progress. Here’s how you can get started:
- Choose the right app: Begin with a fitness app that offers HIIT and strength training sessions. Apple Fitness+ is a popular option that provides a variety of classes. It’s designed for users at all levels and guides you through each move.
- Set a regular schedule: Devote at least a couple of days each week to these intense workouts. Even if you continue enjoying your daily walk, incorporate 20 to 30 minutes of high-intensity exercise twice a week.
- Prepare your space: All you need is enough room to move, a pair of adjustable dumbbells if you have them, and your iPhone ready for the session.
- Warm up and cool down: Always start with a brief warm-up to prepare your muscles, and end with a cool-down to help your body recover. This reduces the risk of injury and keeps you feeling fresh.
- Follow the trainer’s cues: Pay close attention to the trainer’s instructions, ensuring you work hard without overdoing it.
- Track your progress: Use the tracking features on your iPhone. Monitor your heart rate, calories burned, and workout time. This data can motivate you to push a little harder with each session.
- Mix it up: Switching between HIIT, strength, and even some flexibility exercises can keep your routine both exciting and comprehensive.
Walking is an excellent way to maintain an active lifestyle, but if you are aiming for a noticeable boost in your fitness, adding a mix of strength training and HIIT can work wonders. With your iPhone and the right app, you can start a more intense, effective workout routine right at home.