Is the thought of a cardio workout making you sweat more than the actual workout itself? What if I told you it doesn’t have to be like that anymore and it can, in fact, be a part of your day you look forward to!
I can’t count the number of times I would vow to get back into shape, start running the next day only to give up sooner than I started! This, of course, was way before I became a fitness trainer and before I figured out that cardio doesn’t have to just mean running or jogging.
So the question comes up, how can I get my cardio in if the thought of running on a treadmill makes me want to run away from my fitness goals?
And before I tell you what you can do, let me just put this out there—if you are trying to lose weight and doing hours of cardio everyday, STOP! You don’t need to do cardio all day everyday to get to those goals. 20 minutes of cardio 3-4 times a week paired with a good strength training/weight training program is what’s going to get you there.
Now what can you do to get that heart rate up? Anything that you enjoy! Yes! Do what you enjoy and you will never run away from cardio again. Personally I love dancing so that’s how I get my sweat on!
Here are a few examples of cardio other than running that you could try
- Dancing
- Swimming
- Cycling
- HIIT
- Sports like football, tennis, basketball—whatever gets your heart rate up and makes you happy.
- Skipping
- Trekking
- Water Aerobics
Well, I could go on and on but only you can choose the best option for yourself!
Here’s what to think about before you start your fitness journey
1. Goals
Ask yourself what is it that you want to achieve through your journey?
2. Your Reason
Often forgotten but so important! Ask yourself why do you want to start this journey in the first place?
3. Do What You Enjoy
Pick something you enjoy or hate the least to help you stay consistent and keep you from falling off the wagon.
4. Accountability Partners
Get yourself an accountability partner to keep you going on days you just want to give up, because trust me, those days will come.
5. Consistency
Consistency is key! Get up and move even when you don’t want to, don’t give into those small pleasures to sacrifice your main goal.
6. Professional Help
If you aren’t sure how to go about it, get yourself professional help, it’s okay to ask for help! It’s your health after all, don’t you want the best?
Lastly, I’d just like to say that you got this! And remember, if you ever find yourself getting bored of doing something, stop! Pick something else, there are so many options out there, cardio never has to be boring again.
Follow @missmalinilifestyle for more such fitness stories and tips.