Cardio Alternatives That Keep You Moving

Avoiding Boring Cardio?

Burnt Out on Cardio Machines?

Let’s be honest. Cardio can feel like a chore, especially when the only thing you can picture is walking on a treadmill for what feels like five hundred years. But before you give up on it completely, there are a few things worth remembering.

Here are three basic truths about cardio.

1. Cardio builds up your heart rate.
2. Cardio helps your body get into better shape.
3.  Cardio helps with mobility.

The media often pushes the idea that cardio is the only way to lose body fat. That is not completely true. You can absolutely lose body fat by lifting weights. And if you are trying to gain weight, you still need cardio in your routine to support your overall conditioning.

If you are burnt out on cardio machines, what can you do instead?

When you lift weights, your muscles get tired. When you add some intentional cardio into your routine, your muscles actually recover better because they are learning how to work more efficiently. That is what conditioning really is. Your body becomes better at handling effort.

A lot of people only think of the traditional stuff when they hear the word cardio…

Running. Swimming. Cycling.

Those are great options but they are not the only options. And honestly, not everyone enjoys them.

Can you stick to just one type of cardio?

You can, but it is not the most effective way to build endurance. Each activity trains your body to follow a specific breathing rhythm.

For example, a runner will not be able to keep up with a swimmer or a cyclist for long periods. A swimmer will not be able to outrun a runner. A cyclist will not out-swim a swimmer.

It all comes down to this: Your body adapts to whatever rhythm you repeat. So if you want better endurance and stronger cardio conditioning, switching things up is the way to go.

What is conditioning training?

Conditioning training is still cardio. The difference is that you break the predictable breathing rhythm. This is where interval training comes in.

Take burpees for example. (I heard that groan…) A burpee works several movements at once. You jump. You squat. You go down to the ground. Your breathing changes through each step. That is what makes it effective.

Don’t like burpees? Me neither. Let’s take a look at the rowing machine, same concept. You work several body parts at once and it’s just as effective.

When you move from your regular cardio rhythm into something that challenges your breathing pattern, then back into something slower, you build stronger cardio conditioning and better endurance.

How do you start conditioning training?

Short bursts work really well. If you are avoiding long, boring cardio sessions, pick a handful of moves that you do not mind doing. Here is a simple conditioning routine you can try. Do this three to five times for a complete workout.

Conditioning Training Example

15 burpees
Take a break for 2 minutes
OR do active rest by doing a different cardio move for 2 minutes
Go back to 15 burpees
Repeat

You can also explore other exercises for ideas. There are many conditioning movements out there that feel nothing like traditional cardio.

Tip: Add some spice to your burpees for a challenge. A jump variation. A push-up variation. You decide.

Thank you for reading. Take what works for your body and your lifestyle. And remember, you can absolutely love yourself while building a healthier routine one choice at a time.