Cardio: challenge yourself!

Cardio: It is typically done on a machine with dozens of others around.  The majority tuned into TV sets spread across the wall in front of them.  Is this you? Challenge yourself.

People think of ‘cardio’ as a way to exercise and get their heart rate up for a duration of time.  So why not just do it on a machine and get it over with?  I guess.  If it’s your thing, I won’t knock it- because, I did it for a very long time.  For some people, it’s a way to clear their mind- so it becomes sort of an ‘active meditation’ ritual.  That’s cool too.  For other, it is a complete, boring drag.  Some will enter ‘classes’ and show up an hour early to get a spot…just to have a little ‘fun’.

If you find yourself dreading the next cardio routine, or hate waiting for a machine in an over crowded gym…try, no- challenge yourself to do some of these listed below for your next few cardio days.

-Run hills. Find a hill, any hill will do to start.  Don’t give me no BS about not having a hill around.  You can find one!  If you absolutely have no hills around, then you must live in a big flat city..and probably can do the next one below.

-Run stairs. Bleachers are awesome.  You can actually use it as a ‘track’.  If no bleachers, find stairs.  Run to top, walk down, repeat.

-Do burpees. Try doing 100 for time.  It will kick your ass.  Feel free to mix in some mountain climbers, jumping lunges or squats, maybe a few box jumps or rapid step ups.  But, burpees are king.

-Run in the sand. Beach, or playgrounds work good.  Shoes are optional.  I’m not going to get into the benefits vs the rewards.  I have no way of knowing if junkies shoot up and leave dirty needles lying in your local sand. Sorry…

-Jump rope. Don’t have one?  Buy one.  Can’t jump rope well?  Practice.

-Jump. You can do it sideways, lateral jumps…or broad jumps, or previously mentioned- box jumps are also great.  You can do them laterally as well.

The list goes on and on…but let’s start with some simple suggestions.

Here is a few workout ideas to try:

1) 100 Burpees for time.

2) 50 Jump ropes, then sprint up hill for 30 yards.  Walk down and repeat for 20 minutes.

3) Gym routine:  5 burpees, 5 mountain climbers each foot, 10 jumping jacks, 20 jump ropes, 10 V- Up style sit ups.

Have fun!

-Mike.

Related posts:

1. Endurance Building Cardio Blasters
2. Week 2, Day 3 & 4
3. Week 1, Day 4-7: Wrapping it up.
4. Week 3, Day 1
5. The Big 4 in September