Hello Everyone! I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Lately I’ve been trying to add in more fat burning cardio workouts to my routine, and definitely have seen progress in doing so. It’s been a long time since I’ve really focused on cardio in my workouts, because quite frankly lifting weights is what I enjoy most. I have been pondering one question lately after a few discussions with my friends…..
Are we talking each other out of cardio?
I read a lot of fitness articles, blogs, etc, and notice that those involved in the fitness industry have done an amazing job over the last several years of emphasizing the importance for women (and men) to lift heavy weights during their workouts in order to really see progress with their fitness goals. I think this is because for a long time and even still today, many women have the misconception that doing long hours of cardio on the treadmill will get them to their body goals. Oftentimes this only leads to disappointment because the body adapts so quickly to cardio, that if you get caught up in the same routine your progress will come to an end fast. This can be really frustrating when you are trying to lose a certain amount of weight or bodyfat, or look a certain way. But because of these realizations, it almost seems as if we are talking each other out of doing cardio!
In my opinion, this is an issue, because at the end of the day, I want to make sure I’m working out for my overall health and giving my body the love it deserves. I know that cardio is critical for heart health, and therefore I should be getting it into my routine in order to have a more balanced approach to fitness. So despite that I usually ONLY WANT to strength train because I enjoy it and like the way it makes my body look, I’ve started to change my perspective on this, and have decided that I am going to make cardio a part of my fitness routine on a regular basis.
How to keep cardio interesting…..
I don’t think that cardio has to be long, boring sessions on the treadmill. You really don’t need to run marathons to keep your heart in shape. To keep cardio interesting, always find ways to make the cardio challenging for yourself! If you are able to talk on your phone and are barely out of breath, chances are your cardio is not challenging you at all. When you are having to really work for what you’re doing, you will be more actively engaged, and can’t help but find it interesting. Another thing I do to keep cardio interesting is to switch it up almost every day! This could mean active rests during my strength training sessions, hitting the stairmaster after my workouts, or HIIT training and cardio circuits outdoors.
This brings me to my new fat burning cardio workout….
This is a really intense fat burning cardio workout circuit that I did at Bellows Beach on the beautiful island of Oahu, but you can do this anywhere outside or where there is space to run around. It will get your heart rate up, helping you burn fat. I also added in full body movements that will strengthen your entire body. All you need is a timer and a space large enough where you can run around. Since I live in Hawaii, I love getting a workout in at the beach during the weekends. It’s just another way to keep things interesting, and what can be more motivating than this beautiful scenery!
If you try this workout, let me know what you think in the comments below!
Until next time….
-No Excuse Girl
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