9th and 10th Way to Burn More Calories

Thanks to Shape.com for the Top 10 Ways to Burn More Calories. One through eight have been posted in previous posts. But, you can always read the whole article at: http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/cardio/in_the_gym/10_ways_to_burn_more_calories/p/page/1

9. Try a mini-triathlon
Instead of trying to force yourself to stay on the recumbent bicycle for 45 minutes each time you work out, here's your new plan: 15 minutes power walking on a steep incline on the treadmill, 15 minutes on a stationary cycle (ideally at a high resistance level), then 15 minutes in the pool (or use the racing program on your gym's rowing machine). Be sure to warm up, cool down and stretch, and don't forget to write down your speeds to keep track of your progress. Reward yourself when you reach the finish line!

P.S.: For an added bonus, combine this activity with cardio boost #3 -- workingout with a partner -- to make this activity even more fun.
Calorie-burning boost: One workout = 600 calories

10. End with an invigorating stretch
Stretching is as important after running or walking as it is after weight lifting. A study found that regular stretching can increase your strength by up to 19 percent when interspersed between weight-training exercises. With additional muscle you'll burn more calories throughout the day. To keep your heart rate up while still stretching your whole body, try doing a series of 10-12 Sun Salutations, yoga's most aerobic move (it incorporates poses that flow from one to the next).

Here's a fast-paced variation used in many Ashtanga classes:
1) Stand with feet together and arms by sides. Inhale as you reach arms up overhead until palms touch. Look at hands.
2) Exhale to Forward Bend, knees slightly bent and hands to feet.
3) Inhale as you bend left knee and extend right leg back to a lunge. Keep hands on either side of your feet.
4) Exhale and bring left leg in line with right, keeping head, torso and legs in one line for Plank pose.
5) Lower legs and torso to floor, then raise head, neck and shoulders into a long Cobra pose.
6) Push onto hands and feet, lifting hips to the sky to form an upside-down V. This is Downward-Facing Dog.
7) Return to Cobra pose.
8) Bring right foot up and lunge, keeping left leg straight behind you.
9) Bring left foot up to meet right and return to Forward Bend.
10) Inhale; sweep your arms out and up.
11) Exhale and come back into the first standing posture, also known as Mountain pose. Repeat, moving quickly but without sacrificing your form or breathing.
Calorie-burning boost: You'll burn another 50 calories after each workout.