The journey toward your fitness goals is an intricate path. Various components contribute or detract from your success in achieving the goals you set for yourself. Diet and nutrition is a large part of the story, as is strength training and exercising. The third leg of this journey is cardio.
Most of us have a love-hate relationship with cardio. If you’re working hard and doing it right, it can stink! But boy, do you feel great after it’s over… The benefits of doing cardio are undeniable. Your muscles get stronger, your heart rate improves, you burn calories and lose weight… It’s a key contributor to achieving just about any fitness goal!
But why do most people skip it? Most likely, you haven’t found the cardio that’s right for you. Getting your cardio in doesn’t have to mean running for 30 minutes on a treadmill, or using an elliptical for 45 minutes… There are many ways to get your cardio in AND enjoy it! Below are just a few suggestions, now that the weather is warm and sunny and the outdoors isn’t totally off limits!
- Walking – Walk outside around the park, or around a scenic lake or beach boardwalk for 30-45 minutes to get your cardio in. You’ll be able to people-watch, enjoy the view and the sounds, and get some sunshine.
- Hiking – Take some friends or family and hike a mountain! There are local trails nearby that will get the heart pumping. You won’t even feel like you’re doing cardio and walking for miles, but you are. Plus, you totally get to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
- Rock Climbing – Work your arms and back and get some cardio in by rock climbing. It doesn’t have to be up high! You can traverse sideways, a foot or two off the ground, and get just as much of a workout. There are various local areas to do this in and outside.
- Dancing – Sign up for a dance class, go out to a dance event in a local bar, or just go nuts at home! Really moving and grooving for 30-45 minutes gets your heart rate going and works your legs and arms.
- Zumba – Similar to dancing but incorporating more strength exercises, Zumba is a great way to get your cardio in.
- Bike Ride – With this gorgeous weather, I’m sure you’ve seen tons of bikers out in there bright gear taking up the roadways. Well, join them! Dust off your bike and get on the road this weekend. If you’re feeling confident, bike to work with your lunch and a change of clothes in a backpack. Biking outside is a great way to get your cardio in without feeling claustrophobic in a gym. You’re outside – you can enjoy the wind and sun, see so many different things on your route, and change up your ride with hills and turns.
- Community Rec-League/Pick-Up – Many towns and cities have local sports clubs for people looking to engage in a fun sport activity with low intensity on the rules. Playing kickball, baseball, or basketball on a local recreational team, or even just getting in on some pick-up basketball at the public courts down the street, is a great way to change up your cardio routine.
- Play a Childhood Game – Do you have kids, nieces and nephews, grandkids?! Then you have an excuse to run a game of tag, flag football, kickball, or any other game you may have enjoyed as a child. Even if you don’t have little ones for an excuse, get some friends together on the weekend to enjoy a fun game, socialize, and get your cardio in!
I hope you enjoy some of these fresh, new ideas for cardio and take advantage of them! Cardio doesn’t have to be boring! You can still get your 30-45 minutes of cardio in, be fit, have fun, and socialize all at once 🙂
fitcondition 