If you’re the type who’d do almost anything else besides a 30-minute gym run, these cardio alternatives are for you. Here are other ways to reap the same calorie-burning benefits without a seemingly boring run.
Try a different machine
Think your cardio only comes from the treadmill? Think again. Raise your heart rate with another machine at the gym. Try a spinning class to burn major calories, check out the rowing machine for an all-body workout, or go full-force on the elliptical. Each of these will burn major calories while being less hard on your legs and knees.
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Intervals
Many people say they hate the treadmill because it’s boring and they don’t think that they can run for a long time. High-intensity intervals help in both these cases. And you don’t have to stick to the treadmill. Bundle up with your favorite cold-weather running gear and hit the trails, and alternate your vigorous runs with jogging.
Try a combination of these:
Jumping lunge:
This explosive move strengthens your legs and will leave even the fittest among us sweaty and out of breath, especially if you’re doing ’em right. Here’s how it goes:
– Stand with feet hip-width apart and abs engaged (flex!).
– Keeping arms relaxed at your sides, take a big step forward with your right leg and shift your weight forward so your right heel touches the floor first.
– Lower your body until the right leg is parallel to the floor and the knee is lined up over the ankle (think: 90-degree angle).
– Now, jump! Jump up, quickly switching the position of your feet in midair to bring your left leg forward and your right leg behind you.
– To help with this ninja-like jump switch, use your arms to help propel you into the air while you jump.
– Land as gently as you can in a basic lunge position with left leg forward and right leg back.
– Repeat this jump-switching continuously for 1 minute or longer.
The Burpee:
This classic move involves your whole body and it’s the one we love to hate.
– Stand with feet hip-width apart and make sure your core is engaged.
– Jump up, then immediately drop to the floor, placing hands on the floor and shooting feet back so you’re in a high plank position.
– Do a push-up.
– Quickly jump feet back to hands and, in one movement, stand and jump up.