8 Worst Cardio Mistakes You Should Avoid While Trying To Lose Weight - Cosco

The formula for weight loss is simple – burn more calories than you consume. Just because you’re doing an intense cardio workout everyday doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to lose weight. In fact, the reason you’re not losing weight in spite of hitting the gym every day is because your routine is lacking variety. In order to make full of the hours you spend at the gym you have to ensure you don’t make these weight loss mistakes that most people do.

1.       Not eating anything before an intense cardio workout.

Most people think that doing cardio on an empty stomach is good for you but that is a myth. In order to do an intense cardio workout, you need energy; for which you need to consume food. If you do not eat before a cardio session, your body will be unable to muster up the energy needed for the workout.

2.       Doing too much time at the same intensity on the treadmill or elliptical.

We are all creatures of habit and hence tend to do the same form of exercises every time we hit the gym. Doing the same workout for an extended period of time, every day will make the workout less effective. Cosco has really good gym equipment such as aerobic steps and trampolines for your workout needs; which you can use to mix up exercises such that you burn more calories in the same span of time.

3.       Not pushing your body to the maximum.

Just walking on the treadmill for an hour really won’t help you burn off too many calories. In order to lose weight, you have to push your body to its limit and do high intensity workouts that increase your heart rate.

4.       Wearing the wrong kind of shoes to the gym.

Wearing the right shoes is important because if you’re uncomfortable in your shoes, you won’t be able to push yourself. Wearing the wrong kind of shoes also increases the risk of you injuring yourself.

5.       Eating ‘low fat’ or diet foods.

Many ‘low fat’ and diet foods are loaded with sugar and will have the opposite of the desired effect. Instead you should control your diet and give yourself cheat days when you allow yourself to eat desserts or high calorie meals that you want. ‘Low fat’ foods substituted for regular foods isn’t really the best choice for losing weight.

6.       Taking too many supplements and consuming excessive amounts of protein.

Protein is good for you and you need to consume enough of it when you’re working out but what most people don’t know is that when you consume protein is excess, it gets stored as fat in your body. So it’s best to avoid those protein shakes and bars if you don’t really have a diet chart and understand exactly what you’re consuming.

7.       Not drinking enough water during and after your workout.

If you think that you’re putting on water weight by drinking excessive water, you’re wrong. If you do not consume enough water during your workouts, your body will become dehydrated and its efficiency will reduce. Drink water when you’re thirsty – it’s that simple.

8.       Not being focused on your workout.

There are people who spend more time taking selfies at the gym than actually working out and wonder why they’re not losing any weight. When you enter the gym, put your phone on the side and concentrate on your workout instead of messaging people and checking your emails. Do not interrupt your workout just because you heard your phone buzzing!

No More Excuses - 8 Easy Ways To Get Ready For The Summers - Cosco.in

The summers are nearly here and every year you promise yourself that you will get the perfect beach body and not shy away from wearing all those clothes you want to wear and every year you drop the ball. But not this year! A successful workout program requires dedication and a definite end goal. This year we are going to tell you how to get ready for the summers and by the time you’re done you’ll be more than confident in your own skin.

1.       Eat a majority of your calories before 3 p.m.

Studies have found that people who eat a heavier breakfast and lunch are more likely to lose weight than those whose biggest meal is at dinner time even if both these people consume the total same number of calories.

2.       Do not forget to stretch before every work out.

As we age, our body loses its elasticity therefore it is very important to do a good stretch before and after your workout. Stretch out those muscles that you tend to use the most and hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds.

3.       Start your day off with some Yoga to empower your body and soul.

Cosco makes these amazing Yoga mats that are perfect for a morning workout. You can also add Yoga moves to your morning routine such as blow drying your hair upside down to stretch your hamstrings and add some shoulder openers while shampooing your hair! This will also make your dull morning routine immensely more interesting.

4.       Go all out when you’re working out.

Go gadget free and listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Push your body to its limits when you’re working out and get more done in a shorter span of time. Do bigger arm and leg movements to burn a lot more calories with the same workout.

5.       Don’t ruin all the hard work you’ve put in the day by consuming high calorie alcoholic beverages in the night.

Choose your poison carefully and drink within limits. Don’t spend 2 hours a day working out and down high calorie beers in the night! Substitute sugary mixtures for water or soda and see the difference it makes.

6.       Target all your major muscles during your work-out.

Moves like squats and lunges target your bigger muscles which means more calories burnt. Target your bigger muscles and take smaller breaks during interval training. Add a few more reps to your regular routine such that you push your body to its absolute limit.

7.       Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.

You’ve heard this over and over and haven’t paid heed to it but it’s time you do. You will be surprised at the difference it makes when you consumer enough water. Drink water half an hour before your meal such that you consumer lesser food and in turn lesser calories.

8.       Get the proper amount of sleep.

Not getting sleep makes you crankier and in turn makes you crave for food with higher carb content. Your body needs to heal and repair itself after a strenuous workout which is why you need to sleep early. Sleeping early will also help you cut down on late night binge eating which is the absolute worse!

The Best Home Gym Workouts for a Fitter & Toned You

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to get serious about getting the perfect beach body. Does the thought of a crowded, sweaty gym with an expensive membership make you shudder with fright? How about getting back into shape from the comfort of your home with the help of a home gym?

Yes, you read that right, no need of expensive personal trainers and gym workouts, when you have the best home gym equipment right at home. Here is a list of the best exercises that you can do on a home gym to get back in shape.

Show some Love to your Lower Body

A Home Gym is the best and quickest way to get toned, lean legs. The leg extension and leg press target multiple muscle groups in your legs and thighs. They are easy to do even for beginners and you can feel the strain on your muscles clearly.

Get Flat Abs with Abdominal Exercises

 

The ab workouts vary depending on the type of home gym you own. Some machines have in-built benches that help in doing an incline bench press at various angles, while others have cable bars that add resistance to your ab workouts. You can also lie on a stability ball and use the cable handles to do crunches and oblique curls.

A Sleek, Toned Shoulder & Back

 

When you’re chained to your desk for the major part of your workday, it weakens your back muscles and creates a slouch in your posture. The lat pull-down and seated row, both of which can be performed using a home gym, target this muscular imbalance and helps to give you an upright posture. 

Fit, Upper Body with Chest Exercises

 

The Chest press is the best exercise to engage your pectoral muscles in your chest. The incline position on the adjustable bench of your home gym tones your upper chest while the decline position targets the lower chest.

Don’t Forget to Add in Some Cardio or Aerobic Exercises

Some home gyms come with a trampoline board or step climbers to facilitate cardio exercises. No aerobic equipment on your home gym? No worries just get a jump rope and skip between each resistance training exercise.

These simple exercises are a great way to cut down on flab and sport a great physique. The best part? You can do all this without stepping out of your home! You can get this equipment from Cosco and then get set to flaunt your toned body.