Resistance training builds muscles, which are key for strength, boosting your metabolism and even keeping your brain sharp, but to really burn calories and scorch extra pounds, cardio should be your go-to exercise, says Andrew Wolf, exercise physiologist at Miraval in Tucson, Ariz. “People are doing Pilates and yoga — which are great — but they are not calorically intense. If the goal is to really shrink, your workouts should be 70% cardio.”
Improving your body’s aerobic capacity is one of best ways to improve endurance, so Wolf recommends interval training to spike your heart rate. “People spend oodles of time in the weight room, but they could be doing more for their weight loss goals for less time with intervals,” says Wolf.
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Also, you’re going to build up an appetite after high-intensity workouts, and Wolf says you shouldn’t wait to snack and nourish your muscles. Eat something with enough carbs, protein and fat now, so you’re not dying for something later. “People tend to put off eating in an effort to avoid undoing all their hard work, but you’re going to end up so famished once you finally sit down to eat, you will wreck all your effort,” he says. “When you get hungrier, you don’t crave steamed broccoli. You want cheesecake.”
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About Miraval:
Where It Is: Tucson, Ariz.
The Vibe: The all-inclusive desert destination is well-known for its focus on increasing guests’ “mindfulness” to improve nutrition, social relationships and spiritual health. The resort’s wealth of specialists offer private sessions focusing on rebuilding mind and body connections through exercise, art and meditation.
What It Costs: Prices range from $550 to $1,045 a night.