We get it, cardio can be so boring! Perhaps the treadmill or running outside has just never been your thing. We’ve come up with some other ideas to get those steps in and heart rate up that don’t require a machine or an intense run on the pavement!
Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
There is no better way to get in cardio and have fun than dancing! Dancing not only burns tons of calories but it also can be used as a great release of pent-up energy. You don’t need to go anywhere or be with anyone to dance. Some of the greatest moments in life can come from just letting loose in your living room to your favorite song.
If you aren’t sure of what to dance to, you can always find premade playlists on popular music streaming apps. Just look for “dancing at home” or “fun songs to dance to,” and you will be provided with a ton of options.
Nature Walk
Walking is so underrated as a form of exercise. You can definitely enhance your cardiovascular health by taking daily walks! What’s even better than a stroll through the neighborhood? Find some nature to walk through – this can be a bike trail, a park – you name it! This can make your walk a little more exciting so you don’t get bored.
You can also go for a hike which is a great workout and a way to get some cardio for the day. A quick internet search can tell you about some hiking trails near you.
HIIT / Tabata
There are cardio-based workouts that are more fast-paced and intense, but that also means they don’t usually last as long! So, if you’re in a time crunch or just want to finish up your cardio as quickly as possible, opt for a HIIT or Tabata training session. You can find thousands of these videos online!
Both training styles also have other tremendous health benefits besides cardiovascular. Like any new workout program, however, it is important to check in with your doctor before trying out this training style.
Just Move!
The easiest way to get in your cardio is to “just move.” Park at a spot further away from the store. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take the dog on two walks instead of one or make one walk a little bit longer. Perhaps you were going to take a car service like Access Global, and you can still do that, but maybe walk to the places that aren’t too far from you. Do 15 jumping jacks every hour. All that matters at the end of the day is that you are moving your body. An easy way to ensure you’re staying heart healthy is to simply set a timer on your phone for 25 minutes and just move during that time. It doesn’t matter what it is, just be sure your heart rate is a bit elevated and get to moving that body of yours!
