Should You Make Metabolic Conditioning a Part of Your Fitness Routine?
We can't think of anyone who wouldn’t want to get lean and toned in the time it takes to watch an episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. And that’s probably why metabolic conditioning workouts, also known as metcon, are popping up at gyms everywhere these days. (MetCon3 is one of Equinox’s most popular classes!)
“Metabolic conditioning is a really fancy way of saying, ‘Do a lot of physically challenging work in as little time as possible,’” says Boston-based strength coach Roger Lawson, C.S.C.S. These high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts typically cycle through a predetermined number of rounds with as little rest as possible in between, and can range between 10 and 50 minutes in length. Bodyweight exercises, barbells, dumbbells, and cardio equipment are all fair game—and don't be surprised if you see a mix of all four in your routine.