Try THESE Alternative Exercises If You Hate Doing Cardio
By Kevin DiDonato MS, CES--Level 1 Certified Precision Nutrition and Certified Personal Trainer
If there is one thing that I don’t really like to do, it would be cardio.
It’s long and boring and I can think of a million others things that I would like to do BESIDES cardio.
But cardio is needed and should be part of everyone’s workout.
Why?
Well for starters, cardio helps to burn excess calories, which is extremely important when it comes to losing weight and burning fat.
Secondly, it helps strengthen the heart. And with heart disease remaining the number one killer of both men and women around the world, well that’s a pretty darn good reason why you need to do cardio.
If you’re like me, then climbing on a treadmill or stationary bike might seem like the WORST things you could do today.
But:
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There are plenty of other ways to get your cardio in, burn excess calories, and strengthen your heart WITHOUT taking another step on a treadmill…
…or pedaling another mile on the bike!
The simple fact is, these THREE exercises could give your heart the workout it needs AND give your body the metabolism-boosting push it needs to slim down your love handles or saddlebags.
What exercises are they?
1. Jumping Jacks
This full-body exercise is perfect for those who may not have much space, but want to get 20 minutes of cardio in.
This exercise can be done anywhere, which makes it perfect for those crunched for time at the gym and want something quick, powerful, and effective.
Performing jumping jacks has been shown to burn up to 600 calories! But, doing too much could lead to injury.
That’s why it’s recommended that you set a timer and do intervals! Do as many as you can in an allotted time, rest, then repeat with a longer time interval.
Do three to five sets and you’ll be soaked with sweat and your heart will be pumping!
2. Hiking
If you’re one who is drawn to the outdoors, then hiking may be the best exercise for you.
A one-hour hike could lead to over 800 calories burned! Add hills and rough terrain and you can double your burn and incorporate some endurance and strength exercises for your legs and arms.
This is also a great way to explore the great outdoors while you’re getting fit.
With plenty of parks, mountains, and trails to choose from, you can find a hike that is perfect for your fitness level, regardless if you’re a beginner or an advanced exerciser!
3. Jumping Rope
If you’ve ever wondered how boxers get in such awesome shape, the answer would be the training.
Sure, they lift weights and run, but in between sparring sessions, some boxers like to jump rope.
Not only does jumping rope burn calories (almost 300 in 20 minutes), but it may also build strength and endurance as well.
Make this exercise a true calorie-torching machine by including pushups, squats, crunches, or your favorite exercise!
Take Home Message
Although cardio is great for strengthening the heart and burning excess calories, it may be something that people
dread.
Why? Simply because it’s boring!
However, if you want to give your cardio a kick in the pants—but you don’t want to use the treadmill or the bike—then consider doing one of the three exercises listed above!
Not only do jumping jacks, jumping rope, and hiking burn excess calories, they’re also fun ways to get your heart pumping doing something new and exciting.
If you want to boost your metabolism—and prevent boredom while doing your cardio—then consider hitting one of these three exercises a few times per week.
WATCH!
How This Struggling Full-Time Mom SHREDDED 5.25 Inches Off Her Body WIth MINIMAL Exercise
About Jayson Hunter & Jaylab Pro
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Jaylab Pro was founded by Registered Dietitian Jayson Hunter. Jayson has been recognized as one of America's foremost weight loss experts by America's Premier Experts™. He has also been featured in USA Today for this accomplishment. Jayson is also a best-selling author having co-authored multiple books in health & fitness and business growth. Jayson and the Jaylab Pro team are proud to create content that helps improve the lives of millions of people around the world. We hope you enjoy it just as much as others have.