Cardio is the key to staying fit and should find its way into your workout routine in some fashion. However, many people tend to stick with running as their go-to cardio exercise. If this is your strategy, you may eventually grow tired of it and lose the motivation to do it regularly. Find out how to mix up your cardio workouts below.
Try HIIT Workouts
High-Intensity Interval Training, otherwise known as HIIT, is a form of interval training mixing cardiovascular exercise with anaerobic exercise. HIIT is an excellent option to change up your cardio routine. The big challenge with HIIT workout is that it incorporates a ton of different exercises in a short period of time. With HIIT workouts, you will test your cardiovascular fitness and break a sweat. Consider doing these two to three times a week for the best results.
Change Your Environment
You might also just need a change in your environment for your cardio workouts. Instead of running the same path around your neighborhood, drive to a new park, or consider buying a treadmill for your home. It’s astonishing how refreshing the scenery you run around can be for your cardio workouts and how it can affect your energy levels.
Use Different Cardio Machines
Another way you can change up your cardio each week is to try different machines in a gym. Lateral trainers, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers are all great alternatives to running that can be just as effective. New cardio machines can also work neglected muscle groups, which is why it’s beneficial to expand your usage.
Make It More Challenging
Whenever you are trying to stay fit, it’s also essential that you set goals and challenges for yourself. One easy way to do this with cardio is to try to increase your pace, extended the distance, or increase the amount of time you are doing the exercise. Challenges allow you to push yourself mentally and physically, which can keep you from settling.
Listen to Something Different
The final option for how to mix up your cardio workouts is to change up how you occupy yourself during the workout. For example, instead of listening to music for a long cardio workout, you can try a podcast or an audiobook. Finding new forms of entertainment can make cardio more appealing.
