The word "cardio" is comes from the Greek word 'kardia', which translated means: heart. It's short for "cardiovascular" or "cardiology" and refers to anything related to the heart and circulatory system. Therefore, any exercise that increases the heart rate above its resting stage is referred to as 'cardio'.
It's no secret that many dread fitting cardio exercises into their routine. Over the years, I've heard of many variations to 'when' they chose to do their cardio. After working out, breaking it up to 1/2 before and 1/2 after, or just doing reserving it for a completely separate day all together. I've heard it all. Here are some ideas of when/how you can creatively fit cardio into your workout routine.
Start with cardio
You're having a day from hell, whether its 5:00 am and you just stepped out of bed, or 5:00 pm and you just finished a work day from hell, start with cardio. Why? The days that you go into the gym, unmotivated or even unsure of what workout lies ahead for you, start with cardio! It serves several great purposes.
Remember to mix it up.
'Cardio' does not simply mean running or using the elliptical or stair mill, it can be any number of exercises--even grouped together. When this is the case; Think: Intervals, Intervals, Intervals! Intervals, of any calisthenic value are a great way to mix things up. This is a key component to burning fat and gaining muscle.
Beginner?
Try beginning with 45 seconds on/ 30 rest.
You could use any of the following during this time, including combinations:
While doing many of these exercises alone won't constitute a cardiovascular workout, it is the combination fast paced and continuous movement that forces your heart rate to rise above its resting point. When you step into those gym shoes later today, or if you've already worked out for the day; tomorrow, remember keep cardio creative, and let it motivate you! Never let it defeat you or your workout!
It's no secret that many dread fitting cardio exercises into their routine. Over the years, I've heard of many variations to 'when' they chose to do their cardio. After working out, breaking it up to 1/2 before and 1/2 after, or just doing reserving it for a completely separate day all together. I've heard it all. Here are some ideas of when/how you can creatively fit cardio into your workout routine.
Start with cardio
You're having a day from hell, whether its 5:00 am and you just stepped out of bed, or 5:00 pm and you just finished a work day from hell, start with cardio. Why? The days that you go into the gym, unmotivated or even unsure of what workout lies ahead for you, start with cardio! It serves several great purposes.
- Its a great mental reprieve. It give you the time to not only sort your thoughts but also...
- It gives you the time to think through your workout ahead. Often times it can even give you the burst of energy needed to follow through with your commitment to completing the workout.
- It's a great warm up for all muscle groups.
- Cardio is key to any great workout routine, whether it be done before the work out of even on a separate day all together.
Remember to mix it up.
'Cardio' does not simply mean running or using the elliptical or stair mill, it can be any number of exercises--even grouped together. When this is the case; Think: Intervals, Intervals, Intervals! Intervals, of any calisthenic value are a great way to mix things up. This is a key component to burning fat and gaining muscle.
Beginner?
Try beginning with 45 seconds on/ 30 rest.
You could use any of the following during this time, including combinations:
- Jumping Jacks
- Jump Rope
- Mountain Climbers
- Jump Squats
- Box-Jump Squats
- Push-ups
- Tricep Dips
- Burpees
- (Weighted) Box-knee raises
While doing many of these exercises alone won't constitute a cardiovascular workout, it is the combination fast paced and continuous movement that forces your heart rate to rise above its resting point. When you step into those gym shoes later today, or if you've already worked out for the day; tomorrow, remember keep cardio creative, and let it motivate you! Never let it defeat you or your workout!
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| @kohlerkatie |
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