Sweat and the City - Chuck Self-consciousness and Get the MOST out of Your Sweat Sessions

If you're leaving that treadmill a drippy mess then you're doing something right. Working out for results can be gross, should be sweaty, and can get downright stanky. Oh the price of looking amazing! ;)

Yes it can be a little embarrassing being that you probably aren't looking your best blasting out an intense interval session, and I myself have been in the spot of the quick sprint back to the locker room in as much haste as I was running on the treadmill. But you know now, who cares?

I have heard people say, "Oh, I can't go that hard because I'm going to get all sweaty." Are you serious? Isn't that the point? The treadmill belt is not a runway, the stairclimber is not the stairwell to Hef's Mansion. When you're going to get your workout on work it out. Amanda has challenged those partaking in her kick-your-butt bootcamps to go sans make-up on Monday (scary I'm sure for plenty!) and I'm challenging you to get as sweaty, drippy, stanky, and one hot messy as possible in your workouts.

Just think of it like the worse you look during your sweat session the hotter you're going to look for the other 23 hours of the day...I promise. Need some inspiration to get you started? Here's an interval cardio routine:

*5 minute warm-up on the cardio machine of your choice (I like the treadmill or elliptical!)
*1 minute power interval- kick up the speed or resistance and go HARD for this minute, get that heart rate up there
*1 minute recovery- keep moving but lower the speed/resistance and let yourself regroup
*2 minute power interval- go hard again but at a pace/workload that you're able to sustain a minute longer
*2 minute recovery
*1 minute power interval- push your limits here, you'll be feeling that burn
*1 minute recovery
*2 minute power interval
*2 minute recovery
*3 minute endurance push- this time you'll be going hard the whole time but do it so that you get a little faster each minute; pick up the pace or increase the resistance so that by that last minute you are nearing a max effort...get that piece of equipment nice and sweaty!
*finish with a cool-down

Don't think about looking a hot mess, join me and chuck self-consciousness out the window. If you've got time maybe squeeze in a quick core session and work on those abs of steel. :)

If you're looking for another awesome interval workout to try, read HERE one Amanda just posted up that's perfect to get you over the post-break-up blues.

1) Do you feel self-conscious sometimes at the gym or while you're really working out hard?
I used to, especially because I SWEAR I must have overactive sweat glands, but I don't let it get in my way from putting my all into my workouts. That's what showers are for!
2) How are you staying cool in the summer heat?
I make sure to stay hydrated and opt for moisture wicking gym wear. You won't find me donning a cotton tee that by the end of the run will weight about 20 pounds! ;)