Too Much Cardio?

We all know cardio is essential to our fitness routines. But doing too much cardio can leave your workout routine in a rut.

Cardio workouts in moderation are great for your heart and lungs and burning up excess calories. But if you really want to bust up the fat in your body, you need to add strength training to your routine. Building up muscle strength is key to burning off fat.

Balance your workouts with no more than 30 minutes of cardio and add strength training at least three times a week. Don’t forget stretching and flexibility exercises. You will see greater results.

To revamp your fitness routine, read this article from Shine.

Using Video Games to Get in Shape

Dancers have the best bodies. They are lean, flexible, athletic and strong.

Now you and your favorite couch potato can get fit by playing video games that incorporate dance.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has researched games such as Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) to see if they provide the same fitness benefits as more structured aerobic workouts. And they were pleased with the results.

You can boogie to your PlayStation or Wii and burn calories at varying intensity levels. They are finding that people from different age groups are playing and dancing together.

Hmmm, I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a new gaming system. DDR sounds like a fun way to workout, relieve stress, burn calories and improve balance and coordination.

To read the full details of the ACE study, click here for a pdf version of the Sep/Oct issue ACE Fitness Matters.

I originally found this story at Yahoo! Health.

My Favorite Ballet Workouts

Longing for a lean dancer’s body with strong, beautiful legs?

Me, too.

Here are my favorite workouts that incorporate ballet techniques.

Muscle Ballet
Starring Stephanie Herman

This is my absolute favorite ballet workout. I have it on VHS. I hope my tape never wears out.

Stephanie Herman has a very pleasant style and gives clear instructions. I have her whole line of dance-inspired workouts.

For more on Stephanie Herman, visit her Web site. You can explore her other workouts or take an in-person class.

NYC Ballet Workout:
Fifty Stretches And Exercises Anyone Can Do For A Strong, Graceful, And Sculpted Body (Paperback)

I prefer the book over the DVD because I like to work at my own pace.

I like the way they teach you to build your own workouts to suit your needs and to prepare you for other activities, such as tennis or golf.

Ballet Workout
Starring Melissa Lowe

This is the first ballet workout I ever bought. It’s from the late 1980s as you can tell by the costumes.

Even though the makeup and clothes are a little outdated, the workout remains timeless. I love workouts that are full-on classic ballet, not just inspired by ballet moves.

Hot Bod Fusion:
The Ultimate Yoga, Pilates, and Ballet Workout for Sculpting Your Best Body (Paperback)

This book has sections on ballet, yoga and pilates techniques.

You can mix and match, so you don’t get bored with one workout. It doesn’t hurt that the models are gorgeous.

Balocity: Cardio with a Classic Twist
Starring Deanne McBrearty

This is my most recent purchase. I haven’t tried it yet. But I have watched it all the way through and I can tell I’m going to love it.

Deanna McBreary was featured in the NYC ballet workout book.
Visit her Web site for more information.

Ballet Class: For Beginners

This is not designed as a workout. This is an actual beginner’s ballet class led by ballet master David Howard.

Such a treasure.

What are your favorite workouts?