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How To Workout Smarter, NOT Longer
by Shin Ohtake on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 • 5 Comments
Whether your goal is to lean out, get stronger, or increase your athleticism—free weights and your own bodyweight are the best exercise tools you’ll ever need. I’ve never been a big fan of fancy gym equipment for a number of reasons. But what I saw the other day at the gym really proves my point…
As I was working out, I noticed a guy and a gal doing some circuit training using the machines. The guy went from bicep curls (on the curling machine), to the leg press machine, then on over to the calf raise machine. The woman went from the adductor machine (that’s the one that works your inner thighs), then to the “buns” machine (donkey kicks), and on over to the tricep pull-down machine.
So what’s wrong with this picture?
A lot! First off, going from machine to machine is NOT the best way to circuit train (or train, period!). The biggest reason is this: you’ll NEVER be able to maximize your intensity. And INTENSITY is the single most important key to getting leaner and stronger in the shortest amount of time.
The pure nature of these fancy (and very expensive) gym machines is to work ONE muscle group at a time. When you only work one muscle at a time, you simple can’t get your heart rate up enough to burn a lot of fat and calories. This is why most people feel like they have to workout for an hour—30 minutes of cardio followed by 30 minutes of strength training. Sound familiar? Well, the good news is that your workouts don’t (and it shouldn’t) have to be that way…
The best workout routines for fat burning and gaining strength take less than 30 minutes, get you better results, and require only free weights or your own bodyweight. The best way to burn the MOST fat and maximize your strength is by doing FULL body exercises in various circuit, strength, and interval formats. Whether you’re at the gym or at home, you can get fit with shorter workouts using only free weights and your own body weight. Just remember, getting fit doesn’t have to be complicated or require a gym membership. It’s all about working out smarter, NOT longer.
About The Author
Shin Ohtake is a widely recognized strength coach and fitness & fat-loss expert. His unconventional, no-nonsense approach to getting fit has made him the go-to source for fitness enthusiasts and trainers alike. Shin is also the author of the world famous, MAX Workouts book, which has transformed and reshaped the bodies of thousands of people across the globe - without requiring hours in the gym. To learn more about how MAX Workouts can help you achieve your fitness goals, visit maxworkouts.com.
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5 Comments
Posted by Derek on 12/25 at 06:21 AM
Good point on the amount of time for your workout,
If you weight train for more than 45 minites a session your body will release a hormone into your system that will eat into your muscle gains,
I always plan my workout so that to keep withen the 45 minite window, my workout would be that more intence without losing form,
A job is easier to do right than to do wrrong. 
HAPPY CHRISTMAS.
PS.Beer and mince pies dont mix.
Posted by John Phillips on 12/31 at 04:31 AM
Hi Shin,
In September 2007 I contracted pneumonia, pleurisy and a host of breathing complications and have been unable to work since despite being self employed. I’ve also had five back operations after a guy crashed a red light, took off over a bridge and landed on top of me. After years of trouble and five back operations L4 and L5 are fused with titanium. I’m on steroids for my lung problems which mean I’ve put on a huge mount of weight. I can’t run but do cycle and hope to do the London to Paris Ride for the British Lung Foundation at the end of May. I love the look of your book but simply can’t afford it-it’s a struggle to put food on the table and pay the mortgage.
Any ideas? I’m desperate to regain my strength and lose about another 40 pounds of fat.
Kind regards,
John (UK)
Posted by Todd Luecke on 01/20 at 09:29 PM
Hey Shin, Just wanted to drop you a quick note as I start Week 4 of your program. I love the intensity of the program. I am former kick boxer, baseball and basketball player who is rapidly approaching 40 years old ( 8 months out to be exact). After just 3 weeks on your program and a very strict nutritional regime, belive or not I can see my abs again:). I have recommended your program to several of my friends who are former All American Swimmers and competitive triathletes. They are lovin it as well. Ever consider penning another book that would cover another 9-12 weeks after completing the first 12 weeks?
Thanks
Todd
Posted by Shin Ohtake on 01/22 at 01:39 PM
Hi Todd,
Thanks for your comment!
I’m excited that the program is working for you and I really appreciate you recommending the program to your friends as well.
I do have an online fitness club that provides new workouts on an ongoing basis. It’s great for people that have finished up with the book and want to continue on with the program and progress further. You can check it out @ http://www.maxworkoutclub.com.
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Posted by Bernard on 12/04 at 01:38 PM
What’s Up Shin, just thought I shoot you a quick message been using Max Workouts for about two months ...Love the hard core nature of it. Seeing great results..No complaints.