Cardio is hardio, but boy-oh it is important!
There are so many different ways to incorporate cardio into your life that will help with:
- Heart health,
- Boosting brain health and mood,
- Increasing your work capacity (think being able to lift heavier weights without as much fatigue)
- Going on walks with your dog,
- Playing with your kids,
- and so much more.
Somewhere along the lines running became the “go to” for cardio. But the number of times that I have heard “I hate running but I’m gonna go on a run” is so insane.
I am here to be your fairy lift mother and I’m gonna tell you that if you don’t like running, then you do not have to go running. BUT you should still be doing some kind of cardio.
Now, don’t get me wrong, cardio is hard. But also, you can do hard things. ALSO, tt will get easier the more that you do it. I know, how annoying.
Our favorite ways to incorporate cardio:
- Circuits: Circuits are a couple of back-to-back exercises with as little rest as possible. We often will add a circuit to the end of a training session to help get your heart rate up.
- Walking (so underrated)
- Row Machine (go for a distance, time, or play a game)
- Elliptical (god I love an elliptical)
- Biking (stationary bike, assault bike, fancy bike (like a Peloton) (put a TV show on and some headphones in and vibe)
- Battle Ropes (these are fucking hard and you’ll have an insane arm pump)
- Kettlebell Swings (yes. So much yes)
- Sled Pushes (my clients know, there is nothing like a sled push lol)
- Sprints (I know there are some of you out there who love running)
- Running (plot twist, if you like running we think you should go running)
- Plyometrics (think jumping)
- Ball Slams (nothing like a little ball slam to get some aggression out
The list can go on and on! You can do things for a long time at a slower pace, or you can do them for a short period with go and rest intervals at a more intense pace. The world is your oyster!
New to cardio? Shoot for 10-20 minutes 3-4x/week. Again, walking counts here, don’t knock it.
