Turning a passion into profits

Business do-overs…Turning a passion into profits.

Prepping for a 60 minute cardio work out known as spin

With the majority of weight lost completed, I continued along the fitness journey with a determination to keep it off! What worked for me was a constant level of a 60-minute cardio workout within my regime.

Eventually, the spin workout on the bike helped transitioned my gym life with  even more added benefits. In 2005, I participated in an international spin certification course to become a certified spin instructor. As a spin instructor I led 60 to 70 people in classes wanting a fun cardio workout.

Whether you're running, swimming, taking a cardio class or hopping on a spin bike, here are some cardio tips I’ve observed that you can incorporate in your heart-pumping sessions.

Teaching a 60-minute spin class.

TIP 1. Do more than two types of cardio a week:

In order to build overall body strength and endurance and to prevent repetitive stress injuries, it's important not to do the same type of cardio all the time, such as running. You'll get even more out of your cardio workouts if you include at least three different kinds each week.

TIP 2. Include sprinting intervals:

By alternating between a few minutes at a moderate pace and throwing in bursts at a faster pace, you'll burn more calories, build endurance, and become faster and stronger. Not to mention, intervals are also proven to reduce belly fat.

TIP 3. Use those arms:

Many forms of cardio are all about the legs, so when possible, maximize your cardio time by focusing on working your arms as well. Swing them while running (don't hold on to the treadmill or elliptical handles), get creative with your arm strokes while in the pool, and don't forget to use them while in your Zumba or other cardio class instead of resting them by your sides.

Adding an outdoor cardio workout into the routine

TIP 4. Lengthen the duration of your workout:

Most cardio workouts last between 30 or 45 minutes, so burn more calories by pushing yourself a little longer. Check out how many extra calories five minutes of cardio burns.

TIP 5. Incorporate strength training:

The main focus of cardio workouts is to burn calories through high-intensity movement, but you can also use this time to strengthen your muscles. To target the legs and glutes, incorporate inclines on your runs, bike rides, and hikes. When in the pool, utilize the resistance of the water to tone your muscles by using webbed gloves.

TIP 6. Make it harder:

Aside from adding inclines, find other ways to make your cardio workout more challenging. Stand instead of resting your glutes on the seat when on your bike, run with high knees, try the more advanced version of the move your fitness instructor is demonstrating, and do the more intense butterfly stroke instead of the crawl. Remember that compared to the rest of your day, this workout is only a short time, so give it your all.

Outdoor spin class taking place, turning a passion into profit

These simple but effective tips will assist in your personal “do-over”. Take it one day at a time, but never give up. Just remember your goal at hand and what you want to ultimately achieve. You never know, you can take this passion for healthier living into a profitable outcome. Look at me, I loved participating in spin, and was able to transition this passion into a revenue stream as a spin instructor. My next post will provide some other examples of individuals who’ve taken their passion and turned it into profits.

Let me know what you all are thinking so far, even send me any ideas and let’s see how we can come up with a “do-over” moment.