C.J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
When you’ve hit a slump in your workouts and they just aren’t hard enough or giving you the results they once were, it’s time to make them harder! I love doing certain dance workouts, but after a while I find myself not sweating as much or burning as many calories as I once did. I then know it's time to increase my workout intensity. While finding new workouts to do may be one solution, it may not be something you want to do because you may really like your current workouts!
Read on to see my easy tips on how to make your workouts harder so you can continue to see results.
Using weighted hand gloves for workouts
One quick and easy thing I like to do to make my workouts harder is I ADD WEIGHTS. If I am doing a high intensity workout (like one of my dance workouts), or even a low intensity workout, I simply add some hand or ankle weights. If I am feeling in the mood for a really intense workout, I add both!
I currently use a set of weighted hand gloves I found on Amazon that are 1 lb. each. You may think that is a very light weight, but after using them for a few minutes during a fitness workout where you use your arms a lot, you definitely feel the burn.
Increase your workout intensity by adding weights
If you don’t want weighted gloves, there are several kinds of weights for your arms or wrists. Some are even getting quite fashionable and look like bangle bracelets, which you could wear all day.
Variety of hand and ankle weights
I recommend easing into any new workout routine or use caution when using new workout products. When in doubt, consult with your doctor or trainer. When I first started using my weighted gloves, I only used them for a few minutes during my workouts. As my arm strength built up, I left them on for a longer period of time.
Try adding ankle weights to a dance workout
To add more intensity to a workout, I also sometimes use ankle weights. I currently use ankle weights with removable weights so I can add or subtract the amount of weight.
Per a suggestion from a Reiki master, I also wear the ankle weights whenever I feel “spazzy”….if that’s even a word?! The weights help “ground” me so I can feel calmer, quicker.
I’ll also wear the ankle weights around the house, like while I’m cleaning or walking the dogs, to add a bit of resistance to my daily habits. Working out doesn’t have to be only done during one time frame in the day. I love to workout throughout the day, at different intensity intervals, of course. It’s great for your heart and overall health!
When in need of a more effective pool workout, I also add weights! Check out my quick read about my pool workout routine by clicking here!
Have you tried adding weights to your workouts? If so, leave me a comment below and let me know how you liked it!
You can also comment with the ways you like to add intensity to your workouts. I love it when others share their awesome ideas!
C.J. Braden is a regular contributor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Little Ways to Get Back To You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her by clicking here.