Today, I want to discuss one of the most DREADED words in the fitness industry: CARDIO. Whether you’re prepping for a show, trying to shed some body fat, or just want to improve your overall health, we all know cardio can be extremely boring and monotonous!
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of long-distance running (not to mention, it can flatten your bum!), which is why I like to vary the piece of cardio equipment and intensity. Below, I’ve listed a few different exercises and cardio machines that you can mix and match. Depending on how many minutes of cardio you need to perform daily for your goals, I recommend switching cardio machines every 15-20 minutes to keep things interesting! Try one to two minutes of a low intense exercise followed by one to two minutes of a high-intense exercise. That way, you’ll not only improve your cardio by increasing your VO2 max and decreasing your recovery time, but also effectively burn body fat! Mix and match four to six of the following:
1. Treadmill lunges
2. Treadmill side skips
3. Backwards running
4. Treadmill side walking squats
5. Treadmill incline walking
6. 20 squat jumps on the floor
7. 20 lunge jumps on the floor
8. 20 stationary squats
9. Stepmill skipping steps
10. Stepmill side steps with a squat
11. Stepmill skipping steps with a glute kickback
12. Stationary upright bike high resistance, standing up
13. Stationary upright bike low resistance, seated and fast
Pair this circuit with a new playlist, and you might find yourself loving your cardio sessions! I also recommend trying a new fun class with a friend to change up your workout and stimulate your metabolism!
If you have any other neat suggestions for more effective and engaging cardio, leave me a comment on my Facebook or Instagram! You can also check out new workouts I’ve posted at http://ashleykfit.com!
Until next week, wishing you health and a productive week!
