Cut Fat, Not Your Time: Weekly Weight Loss Workout Routine

Updated Oct 29, 2024 | 08:00 PM IST

SummaryTransform your weight loss journey with this week long shred workout routine focusing on efficient workouts, nutrition tips, and high-intensity training for maximum fat loss.
Weight loss workout

Weight loss workout

As the winter approaches, I find myself standing in front of the mirror, frustrated by my reflection. Despite hours spent lifting weights and trying different diets, the stubborn extra pounds refused to budge. Each morning, I woke up determined to shed the weight, but the results never matched my efforts. It was time for a change—a structured, effective workout program that could maximize fat loss without consuming all my time.

If you're like me and eager to get shredded this summer, you're in luck. This 10-week shred workout program is designed to deliver results without the need for endless hours at the gym. With a focus on high-intensity workouts and simple nutrition, you can transform your physique in just ten weeks. Here’s how to get started.

The key to success lies in simplicity. You don’t need to dive into complex training methods or extreme diet plans. Instead, consistent application of basic principles is what leads to long-term success. By keeping workouts and nutrition straightforward, you’ll find it easier to stick with the program and achieve your fitness goals.

Each workout in this program is designed to take no more than 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. The emphasis is on high intensity, which helps create a prolonged afterburn effect—maximizing fat loss for up to 24 hours after your workout.

Weekly Workout Routine For Weight Loss

Monday

- 20 minutes of HIIT on a stationary bike.

- Superset Swiss ball crunches with hanging leg raises for 3 sets of 20-30 reps.

- 10 minutes of HIIT on a rower.

Tuesday: 10 minutes of HIIT on a stationary bike.

Wednesday

- Morning: 20 minutes of HIIT on a stationary bike.

- Abs: Superset Swiss ball crunches with hanging leg raises for 3 sets of 20-30 reps.

Thursday

- 20 minutes of HIIT on a stationary bike.

- Superset Swiss ball crunches with hanging leg raises for 3 sets of 20-30 reps.

- 10 minutes of HIIT on a rower.

Friday: 10 minutes of HIIT on a stationary bike.

Tips to Maximize Your Shredding Success

  • While the program is effective for all fitness levels, starting with a lower body fat percentage (around 12-15%) can enhance results.
  • Achieving your ideal physique takes time and patience. Commit to the program without expecting overnight success.
  • Stick to the prescribed workouts. Overtraining can reverse fat loss progress and lead to muscle breakdown.
  • A nutrient-dense diet is crucial for fat loss and muscle gain. Avoid junk food and ensure you’re not exceeding your caloric intake.

With dedication and the right approach, you can achieve the summer body you desire. This 10-week shred workout program is designed to be efficient, effective, and easy to follow. By staying committed, keeping your nutrition in check, and focusing on these workouts, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the head-turning physique you’ve always wanted. Let’s get started!

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Bedtime Yoga Poses That Can Help You Fall Asleep Faster

Updated May 23, 2025 | 04:00 AM IST

SummaryRegular yoga practice can be a great tool for managing insomnia. You might find yourself falling asleep faster, sleeping longer, and getting back to sleep more easily. Here are some poses to try.
Bedtime Yoga Poses That Can Help You Fall Asleep Faster

After a long day of work, the best way to wind-down is by resting on your bed. However, many people still struggle to fall asleep, regardless of how tired they are. It could be because they are too stressed, anxious or experiencing an imbalanced circadian rhythm, which means their body clock makes it difficult for them to fall asleep at night.

Practicing yoga before bed can be an excellent way to let go of daily stress, both mental and physical, preparing you for a night of peaceful, deep sleep. Adding a gentle yoga routine to your evening can significantly improve how well and how long you sleep. This is especially helpful for those who sleep lightly, struggle with insomnia, or have limited time for rest.

Before You Start Your Bedtime Yoga

There are very few downsides to doing yoga before bed, as long as you practice safely. If even gentle movements seem to make you feel more awake, you might prefer meditation or breathing exercises instead. Your body might feel more flexible later in the day, so be sure to use your muscle strength to support your stretches and avoid pushing too hard. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise, especially if you have health concerns or injuries.

Legs-up-the-Wall

Sit with one side against a wall, then swing your legs up the wall as you lie on your back, getting your hips close to the wall. Rest your arms comfortably. Focus on your breath and let go of tension. Hold for up to 5 minutes.

Reclined Butterfly

From a seated position, press the soles of your feet together and let your knees open out to the sides. Lie down on your back with your hands in a comfortable position. This calming pose helps quiet your nervous system and reduce stress. Hold for up to 5 minutes.

Child's Pose

Starting from a tabletop position, gently sink your hips back towards your heels. You can keep your knees together or wide apart. Let your chest relax onto your thighs and release any tension in your spine. This pose is relaxing and stretches your spine. Stay for up to 5 minutes.

Corpse Pose

This restorative pose is typically done at the end of your practice. Lie on your mat or bed with your feet slightly wider than your hips. Align your head, neck, and spine. Focus on your breath as you completely relax your body, allowing it to feel heavy. Stay in this position for up to 15 minutes.

Yoga Nidra

Yoga nidra is a guided meditation that helps improve sleep, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. You lie down, breathe deeply, and follow verbal instructions that calm your mind and release tension throughout your body.

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What Is Japanese Walk—The Fitness Trend That Makes You 10 Years Younger

Updated May 21, 2025 | 08:31 AM IST

SummaryThe unique method alternates between three minutes of brisk walking and three minutes of easy pacing, repeated five times in a 30-minute session.
What Is Japanese Walk—The Fitness Trend That Makes You 10 Years Younger

Credit: Canva

Walking is the simplest form of exercise. While it is something that we are genetically designed to do, there has been debate on its efficiency as a full-fledged form of exercise. In the latest development, scientists in Japan have taken this activity and supercharged it into a research-backed, age-defying fitness routine that's going viral across the world. Called Interval Walking Training (IWT), its health benefits have not stunned even the most dedicated gym goers.

So What Exactly IS Interval Walking Training?

Developed by exercise physiologist Dr. Hiroshi Nose, this method alternates between three minutes of brisk walking and three minutes of easy pacing, repeated five times in a 30-minute session. As per its creators, it is all about small bursts of energy. The results? A fitter heart, stronger legs, and even a shot at turning back the biological clock.

How Is It Different From Regular Walking?

Most people associate High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with gruelling sprints or gasping for air on a spin bike. But IWT flips the idea by using something as accessible as walking. And yet, this deceptively gentle routine does more for your metabolism, cardiovascular health, and fat burn than hours of slow-paced activity.

The technique has a empirical backing too. Scientific trials in Japan have shown that those who practised this method four times a week for three months saw measurable improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and even muscle strength. One 68-year-old participant had his heart rate shoot up to 130 bpm during the fast intervals — a pace comparable to moderate cycling.

Can It Reverse Ageing?

The creator of this walking method, Dr. Nose, even claims that consistent IWT participants improved their aerobic power and thigh muscle strength by 20% — enough to make you feel ten years younger. For many, symptoms of lifestyle diseases like hypertension and obesity dropped significantly, and depression scores were halved.

Why Does Japanese Walking Work So Well?

It is all in the timing and intensity. During fast-paced intervals, your body taps into glycogen stores and increases oxygen demand, triggering a cascade of metabolic benefits. The alternation between effort and recovery mimics the rhythm of elite athlete training, just with lower impact, making it ideal for seniors, beginners, or anyone recovering from a sedentary slump.

This burst-and-breathe pattern revs up your heart rate, challenges muscle coordination, and improves balance, especially in older adults. The circulation boost helps detoxify organs, enhance nutrient absorption, and sharpen mental clarity, making it not just a physical workout but a rejuvenating full-body experience.

Variations For Every Lifestyle

Want to take it up a notch? Add light weights to your walk to tone muscles and increase calorie burn. Want to spice things up indoors? Try zig-zag paths, backwards walks, or figure-8 routes to engage underused muscles and keep your mind focused. These patterns not only improve neuromuscular coordination but also keep boredom at bay. So the next time you’re thinking of skipping your workout, remember: A smarter walk could be your shortcut to a longer, stronger, and more balanced life.

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Can Yoga Help Make Your Lung Stronger?

Updated May 21, 2025 | 01:14 PM IST

SummaryYoga can help your body build strength, not just in terms of muscle health, but also mental capacity, muscle strength, but can it add to your lung capacity as well?
Can Yoga Make Your Lung Strong?

(Credit-Canva)

Yoga plays a very important role for our health- It not only helps us strengthen our body, but it also increases our endurance and mental tenacity. It is an ancient practice that involves asanas, breathing exercises as well as meditation. It has become very popular in recent years as people learn about its accessibility as well as the benefits of doing it. Other aspects of yoga include increasing organ capacity like strengthening your lungs.

How Yoga Increases Lung Capacity

A 2015 study published in the International Journal of Yoga people with heart conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) often have weaker lungs. We did a study to see if yoga, including breathing exercises (Pranayama), could help. We split 80 heart patients into two groups: one did yoga for three months along with their usual medicine, and the other just took medicine.

The results showed that the yoga group had better lung function and even improved heart health, like lower blood pressure. This means yoga can be a helpful extra treatment for people with heart disease.

According to the American Lung Association, Yoga is a great gentle exercise that combines physical poses (called asana) with breathing exercises (called pranayama). Both parts help keep your body and mind healthy.

Doing basic yoga poses can boost your energy and strengthen muscles, but don't push yourself if it feels uncomfortable. If you're new to yoga, especially if you have lung disease, take it easy and avoid any poses that make it hard to breathe. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise, including yoga. If you join a yoga class, make sure the teacher is qualified and understands your specific needs. Many classes are designed for people with health conditions.

Yoga Poses That Strengthen Our Lungs

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

This gentle pose involves arching your back like a cobra. It helps to open up your chest and makes your spine stronger. By expanding your rib cage, it allows you to take deeper breaths, which is great for your lungs.

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

In this pose, you lift both your chest and legs like a bow. It deeply stretches the front of your body, including your chest and belly. This helps your lungs become more flexible and can make breathing easier if you have issues.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

This pose involves arching your back and reaching for your heels. It strongly opens your chest and throat area, which gets your breathing system going. It encourages full, big breaths and can help clear out your air passages.

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

This is a seated twisting pose. It gently squeezes and then releases your insides, which helps blood flow around your lungs. This pose can improve how well you control your breath and helps to clean out your breathing system.

Pranayama

This isn't just one pose, but a group of special breathing exercises. Techniques like breathing through one nostril at a time or taking deep belly breaths directly improve how your lungs work, helping you take in more oxygen and feel calmer.

Revolved Side Angle Pose

This standing twist stretches the muscles between your ribs. This makes your chest more flexible, allowing for deeper breaths when you inhale. It's a great way to improve your lung capacity and make breathing more efficient.

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

In this pose, you lift your hips off the ground, forming a bridge shape. It gently opens your chest and stretches the front of your body. This pose can help ease chest stuffiness and make it simpler to breathe.

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