Kickstart your fitness with these One Hour Workouts!

In a world brimming with deadlines, commitments, and endless to-do lists, carving out time for exercise might seem like a luxury reserved for the fortunate few. However, the undeniable truth backed by a multitude of scientific studies is that dedicating just one hour to a workout session can unleash a cascade of remarkable benefits for both body and mind. From strengthening cardiovascular health and boosting metabolism to enhancing cognitive function and reducing stress, the evidence is clear: regular physical activity isn’t merely a fleeting trend, but an indispensable investment in your overall well-being. Let’s delve into the compelling research that underscores why a single hour of workout holds the power to transform your life in more ways than you might have ever imagined.

“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”

Cardiovascular Fortitude: One of the most prominent advantages of a one-hour workout lies in its profound impact on cardiovascular health. Countless studies have highlighted the correlation between regular exercise and a reduced risk of heart disease. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that individuals who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least an hour per day had a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular ailments compared to their sedentary counterparts1. This powerful link underscores the heart-protective effects that even a single hour of exercise can confer.

Metabolic Ignition: If you’re aiming to kickstart your metabolism and inch closer to your fitness goals, a one-hour workout is your steadfast ally. Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology elucidated that a single hour of intense exercise can induce a significant increase in post-exercise resting metabolic rate, resulting in greater calorie burn even after your workout session has concluded2. This metabolic boost not only aids weight management but also contributes to overall energy expenditure, fostering a more efficient and vibrant you.

Mental Mastery: The benefits of exercise extend far beyond the physical realm, seamlessly permeating into the domain of mental well-being. Engaging in a one-hour workout has been proven to trigger the release of endorphins – those renowned “feel-good” neurotransmitters. A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis demonstrated that a single bout of exercise can lead to an immediate increase in mood and positive affect, potentially counteracting the effects of stress and anxiety3. By dedicating just sixty minutes to exercise, you’re gifting your mind a sanctuary of serenity and resilience.

Cognitive Enhancement: As we strive to optimize our cognitive prowess, the role of exercise emerges as a formidable game-changer. An intriguing study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience found that a one-hour workout session can enhance cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision-making4. The researchers hypothesized that the increased blood flow to the brain during exercise contributes to these cognitive gains, ultimately magnifying your mental acuity and sharpening your intellectual edge.

You never light a fire by starting with the biggest log. You start with some little stuff, some petty stuff, really. Normally it takes some newspaper and small sticks to start a fire. That becomes the fuel that grows it. I want to give you permission to have a motivation, a reason, that you would never say to anyone but yourself. As long as it fuels you, that is all that matters. Embrace it.

 – Arnold schwarzenegger

The Workout

Day 1

  1. Squats
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Warm Up 3: 85% Working Weight x 10 reps
    4. Working Set 1: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
    5. Working Set 2: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
  2. Lat Pull Downs
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
  3. Cable Tricep Extension
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
  4. Lateral Cable Raises
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
  5. Hanging Leg Raises
    1. Working Set 1: 20 Reps
    2. Working Set 2: 20 Reps

DAY 2

  1. Bench Press
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Warm Up 3: 85% Working Weight x 10 reps
    4. Working Set 1: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
    5. Working Set 2: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
  2. Bent Over Dumbbell Rows
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
  3. Walking Dumbbell Lunges
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 10 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 8 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 6 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 6 Reps RPE 7-8
  4. Dumbbell Curls
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
  5. Decline Dumbbell Crunch
    1. Working Set 1: 20 Reps RPE 7-8
    2. Working Set 2: 20 Reps RPE 7-8

DAY 3

  1. Deadlift
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Warm Up 3: 85% Working Weight x 10 reps
    4. Working Set 1: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
    5. Working Set 2: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
  2. Cable Flys
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 10 Reps RPE 7-8
  3. Lateral Dumbbell Raises
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 20 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 15 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 12 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 12 Reps RPE 7-8
  4. EZ Bar Curl
    1. Warm Up 1: 50% Working Weight x 15 reps
    2. Warm Up 2: 70% Working Weight x 12 reps
    3. Working Set 1: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
    4. Working Set 2: 8 Reps RPE 7-8
  5. Push-Ups
    1. As Many Reps as Possible (AMRAP)

Closing Thoughts: With the steadfast backing of scientific research, it becomes abundantly clear that dedicating just one hour to a workout session is far from a mere chore – it’s a priceless investment in your holistic well-being. Whether you’re seeking to fortify your heart, fuel your metabolism, uplift your mood, or elevate your cognitive prowess, that single hour holds transformative potential. So, lace up those sneakers, embrace the sweat, and revel in the wondrous journey of enhancing your life, one hour at a time.

  1. Source: American Journal of Preventive Medicine – “Physical Activity and Incidence of Heart Failure in Postmenopausal Women” (2004)
  2. Source: Journal of Applied Physiology – “Effects of exercise intensity and duration on the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption” (2000)
  3. Source: University of California, Davis – “Exercise and well-being: A review of mental and physical health benefits associated with physical activity” (2000) 
  4. Source: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience – “The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis” (2013)
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ryanfreng
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