5 Ways to Switch Up Your Cardio Routine
By Ridge Kiley, CSCS, Dolce Diet Head Strength Coach
Are you tired of running on the same treadmill, using the same elliptical, or spinning on the same exercise bike? Maybe it’s time to switch up your workout routine! Working out doesn’t always have to feel like a task. Make it fun to avoid burnout. Try one of these cardio methods to add variety to your weekly routine:
1. Fitness Classes
Join a local fitness class such as: Cycling, Weight lifting, MMA, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Bootcamps (The Living Lean Bootcamp if you’re in Vegas!), or anything that interests you!
2. Fartlek Training
Although it’s a funny word – Fartlek (speed play) training is a great way to switch up your running routine. What is Fartlek training? To put it simply, it’s long distance running mixed with short bursts of fast running.
3. HIIT
High Intensity Interval Training utilizes short periods of intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. HIIT can be incorporated while running, biking, swimming, rowing, and more – be creative!
4. Circuit Training
Circuit training is great for building aerobic muscular endurance with resistance training or your own body weight. This can also be done at home if you are running short on time. Circuit training is extremely versatile and can be modified as often as desired. Body weight exercises are a great starting point. Once you’ve mastered your own body weight, try adding dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, barbells, weight machines, or resistance bands. The exercise options are endless with circuit training!
5. Recreational Sports or Hobbies
Join a local sport league or grab some friends and throw a frisbee or football around at a park. Get outside and start moving! If you’re from somewhere that has harsh winters (like me), you’ll want to take advantage of the seasonal warm weather.
