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What is a Shred Workout?

Matthew F.
Matthew F.

A shred workout is a type of workout regimen that is usually set up with a built in timeline for the purpose of burning fat and losing weight. There are many shred workouts available through popular media, such as the Jillian Michaels shred workout, which features a 30 day program.

Since shred workouts are designed to help one lose fat, a shred workout should feature a heavy emphasis on cardiovascular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise, or “cardio,” is any exercise where one increases their heart rate for an extended period of time. The body requires about fifteen minutes of a constant elevated heart rate during exercise before it starts to use stored fat cells for energy, which is technically what “fat burning” is. A thirty minute cardiovascular workout is all that is necessary for one to burn a healthy amount of calories and fat for weight loss. Running outside or on a treadmill, jogging, distance walking, swimming, bicycling, or the use of certain exercise equipment such as an elliptical machine are all examples of ways to achieve a good cardiovascular workout.

Swimming is often part of a shred workout.
Swimming is often part of a shred workout.

Shred workouts however, are not solely based on cardio exercise. Cardio is often just used a warm up or a way to finish a work out. Weight training is also featured in shred workouts. In shred workouts, the speed and intensity of a workout are favored over strength. Strength is directly proportional to size, and as one builds strength and muscle one is bound to build fat as well, which means that someone looking to shred body fat must not use weight lifting as a means to build strength, but rather as a way to keep the heart rate elevated to burn fat. Using weights to improve endurance and stamina is a way to continuously burn fat without putting on too much mass.

Jogging can be part of a shred workout.
Jogging can be part of a shred workout.

Circuit training and shred workouts have much in common. Circuit training regimens are basically exercise routines that feature weight lifting exercises combined with cardio workouts. The weight lifting aspect of the circuit training routine feature frequent sets of lifts with many repetitions, and leave minimal time for resting in between sets. Circuit training helps one to build stamina and endurance, which are an important aspect of every shred workout.

Shred workouts typically use some weight training for toning and to burn fat.
Shred workouts typically use some weight training for toning and to burn fat.

Shred workouts should not solely rely on exercise alone. Any exercise program that has fat burning and weight loss as its goal should be used in combination with a healthy diet. One should find the appropriate amount of calories per day from protein, carbohydrates, and sugar, and avoid anything extraneous while trying to lose weight. Consumption of too many calories, especially from fats and sugars, will compromise the amount of success achievable with a shred workout.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@talentryto- Thanks for the shred workout ideas. I am putting one together, and also prefer to focus on exercises that get me out of the house and gym. Since I use to run, I plan to start out walking and increase my pace until I feel comfortable running again.

Of course, anyone who is planning on starting this type of workout should first discuss the idea with a doctor. It's important to make sure you are choosing the right exercises for you, and that your health is in good enough shape to tolerate activity that significantly increases the heart rate.

Talentryto

The shred workout is great because it incorporates so many different types of exercise for the common goal of getting in shape. This type of workout is also flexible when it comes to the time spent on each type of exercise in the regimen.

My shred workout consists of a combination of some cardiovascular exercises and weight lifting with a lot of walking. Each day, I walk at least three miles. I vary my pace during my walks. I begin the first mile by starting out slowly then increase my steps to brisk pace for the second mile. I slow down to cool off for the third mile.

Since I love walking, this regimen works great for me. I would recommend a shred workout with a focus on walking for anyone who finds that too much weight lifting and cardiovascular exercises are tiring or repetitive.

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    • Swimming is often part of a shred workout.
      By: ikonoklast_hh
      Swimming is often part of a shred workout.
    • Jogging can be part of a shred workout.
      By: Ariwasabi
      Jogging can be part of a shred workout.
    • Shred workouts typically use some weight training for toning and to burn fat.
      By: Tijana
      Shred workouts typically use some weight training for toning and to burn fat.
    • Running on a treadmill is a good way to achieve a cardiovascular workout.
      By: MaxRiesgo
      Running on a treadmill is a good way to achieve a cardiovascular workout.
    • Any shred workout with a weight loss goal should be combined with a healthy diet.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Any shred workout with a weight loss goal should be combined with a healthy diet.
    • Cycling is a popular activity that may be included in a shred workout.
      By: Alina Isakovich
      Cycling is a popular activity that may be included in a shred workout.
    • Some workouts include treadmills, exercise bikes and other equipment on a cardio circuit.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Some workouts include treadmills, exercise bikes and other equipment on a cardio circuit.
    • Individuals engaging in any type of workout should be sure to remain hydrated at all times.
      By: T.Tulik
      Individuals engaging in any type of workout should be sure to remain hydrated at all times.
    • Distance walking can be a good way to achieve a cardiovascular workout.
      By: Syda Productions
      Distance walking can be a good way to achieve a cardiovascular workout.