Let’s face it, you can only do so much running on the treadmill or cycling on the stationary bike before you start going nuts; that's partly why Peloton has become so popular because the programming keeps you engaged and from getting bored.
But what if I told you there are cardio workouts that I bet you never considered or thought of? We are so programmed into thinking that cardio needs to either be done on a piece of cardio equipment, inside a gym, or that cardio equals running outside. Those are good moves, but they aren't necessarily the only moves. In fact, I’m going to list three cardio workouts that you might not even realize constitutes as cardio. And that's because you're distracted from the workout itself, you're having fun, and you're just thinking outside the box.
Cardio = Sports
Rather than running like crazy yet going nowhere on the treadmill, take your cardio workouts to the court or field. Do you enjoy playing basketball, tennis, soccer, or racquetball? How about swimming, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, or even boxing? Then spend your time doing the cardio workouts you enjoy. Don’t be a slave to the treadmill! You can burn just as many, if not more, calories by playing recreational sports than you would be sitting on the recumbent bike or climbing the StairMaster. Stop doing cardio workouts that you don’t enjoy! Any sustained movement that keeps your heart rate up is good for you; it doesn't have to be on the treadmill or elliptical. And if you can do any of this cardio outside, that is even better.
Cardio = Hiking
While you aren’t running up a hill (although you can if you want!), hiking is a great workout and allows you to get outside and enjoy nature. You can take as long or as short of a hike as you want to, and choose the elevation. The more of a climb you experience, the more your heart has to work. But depending on where you live, there’s a good probability that you have a hiking trail nearby. Hiking makes for great cardio workouts that the entire family can enjoy from your significant other to your kids, and even your four-legged furry friends. Plus, vitamin D and fresh air are good for everyone.
Cardio = High Rep/Low Rest Workouts
Why not kill two birds with one stone? Are you planning on hitting the weights, but you don’t think you’ll have enough time to fit in cardio, too? No worries! Do it all at the same time. How? All you need to do is keep your heart rate elevated throughout your resistance training workout. Now, you might be wondering how you can turn weights into one of the best cardio workouts you’ll ever complete, but it’s possible.
Change up your workout by lowering the weight slightly and pushing for more reps. Not only will this get your heart rate cranking, but when you combine this protocol with a shorter rest period, you don’t allow your heart to drop into a recovery rate. Rather than taking 45 to 60 seconds between sets (or even longer), shorten them to 15 to 20 seconds. Or you can even consider doing a circuit where you move from one exercise directly to the next, without any rest period.
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Article Courtesy Of Matt Weik
