HEALTH

Workouts

The best cardio to banish muffin top

Got a li’l extra around the middle? It’s all about the intervals. A study found that after two weeks of interval training, women had burned 36% more fat during moderate exercise. We’re in! Keep reading for your tummy-toning moves.

Pick your fave workout. Intervals work with whichever cardio training you like best. Walking, biking, jogging, swimming, and treadmill or elliptical workouts are all count.

Warm up. A five-minute warm-up at a low to moderate intensity will get your blood flowing before you begin any cardio regiment.

Pick up the pace. For one minute, increase the intensity of your workout. This could mean running up a set of stairs, biking up an incline or swimming faster, depending upon your workout.

Catch your breath. For two minutes continue at a slower or less intense pace. Try to think of yourself as working at a five on your toughness scale, one meaning you’re exerting little or no effort, and 10 meaning you’re going your absolute hardest.

Repeat. Get into a rhythm. Pick up the pace for a minute and slow down for two minutes. After a couple weeks, your body will get used to the workout. At that point, it’s time to either choose a new type of cardio training or increase the intensity and length of your intervals.

Cool down. Slow way down for the last five minutes of your workout. Be sure to incorporate some stretches into your cool down.