A Fitness Expert Shares How to Get Better Results from Your Workout

We are continuing our series on exercise, fitness and health with Scott Colby, an internationally known fitness professional, public speaker and author of "Abs Uncrunched." Scott continues to share with us information on how to lose fat. He is also the owner of AbsUncrunched.com, TheAbsExpert.com and creator of the on line teleseminar series, My Ultimate Body Makeover and Amazing Abs Formula. He has helped thousands of people around the world get fit, lose stomach fat and exercise more effectively. In this interview he talks with me about making the most of your exercise, getting better results from your exercise and moving beyond beginner exercises, all in one step.

Lisa: Scott, many people complain that they don't have enough time to work out or that they want to get more from their exercises. Everyone wants to get the most accomplished in the least amount of time, and that includes workouts. How can we get the most form it and get better results.

Scott: If you want to get better results, transition to more difficult exercises and get the most done in less time, there is one trick that will do it all. This trick starts with bodyweight exercises.

Lisa: Many fitness experts say that bodyweight exercises are an excellent tool for getting the most of your routine. But what trick can make these exercises even better?

Scott: To get better results in less time, and not to mention the ability to target your abs even more when working out, try this one extra movement, Raise your hands!

Lisa: Why is the placement of your hands so important? How can it make a difference?

Scott: Basically, it has to do with the position of your arms while doing other movements. For example, while doing squats, you may have your arm bent at the elbow and curled towards your body. Try lifting your arms straight above your head instead. For one thing, when your arms are positioned higher your abs muscles are automatically engaged. When your hands are in other positions such as on your hips, your body is not elongated and it does not work as hard.

Lisa: What are some exercises we can use this trick on to get better results?

Scott: A few exercises you can use this trick on include squats, lunches, and step ups. It is an excellent way to move beyond beginner exercises and help you to get the most from your abdominal workout in the least amount of time. By lifting your arms above your head and keeping them straight it is a harder movement. It requires more effort, training you to work harder, getting more from the time you do spend working out and getting you ready for the next level of exercise.

Lisa: What if you are experienced at exercise? What do you do then?

Scott: Those experienced at exercise should try adding weights to this position by holding a dumb bell, medicine ball or by attached wrist band weights.

Lisa: Are there any added benefits to adding this movement?

Scott: As a result of raising your hands, it gets your heart rate up, it increases your metabolism and burns fat longer. Combining this trick with high intensity interval training and proper eating habits and you will burn fat faster as well as increase your heart rate and metabolism, helping you to get the most from your workout, whether your goal is to flatten your stomach of simply to lose fat, in the least amount of time.

Lisa: Scott, thank you so much for sharing this idea with us. It is pretty simple, and if it's more effective then we should all give it a try.