Cardio Exercises That I Have Been Loving

I used to HATE cardio, and I don’t think I’m the only one. I hated running and for some reason, I figured that was the only way I was going to look any better. Don’t get me wrong, I still run, but I actually enjoy doing it now! Your body can get used to doing the same routine, which can cause you to plateau. To challenge your body and improve your stamina, switching up your day-to-day cardio exercises will improve your overall endurance and boost calorie burning.  I wanted to share my favorite cardio exercises that I have enjoyed doing!

Sprint intervals:

• This is my go-to cardio exercise on days I have a ton of energy and am ready to hit the gym hard! Sprint intervals require you to use maximum effort and they helped me get rid of the stubborn weight. Sprint intervals is a great workout if you have a busy schedule because it does not require a lot of time. Since sprinting is an intense workout, I usually start with a 1-mile warm-up. After my warm-up, I start the sprint intervals. I usually sprint for .10 miles and then walk for .05 miles. I do that until I get a full mile in. Afterwards, I am sweaty and exhausted but feel great! This cardio exercise usually takes only about 20 minutes! If you haven’t worked out in awhile I would start with sprint intervals slowly. Listen to your body! If you feel like they are to difficult or just aren’t for you, check out the other cardio exercises I have listed below!

Treadmill Incline: 

• This workout is my favorite cardio exercise if I am looking to sweat a lot but am not wanting to put in the maximum effort that day in the gym. I usually wear a sweatshirt whenever I plan on doing this treadmill incline exercise so I can sweat like crazy and get the most out of it. I put the treadmill at a 9.0 incline and walk at a 3.5 pace. I do this for 45 minutes or sometimes 40 if it’s really kicking my butt that day. I know 45 minutes seems like a long time but that’s the amount of time I have to put in if I want to burn a lot of calories and still get the most out of the workout. I put on my favorite playlist or watch some Netflix during this certain exercise so I don’t get bored and want to stop.

Stair Climber:

• This stair climber workout makes for a great lower body workout. Targeting your glutes, calves, quads, and hamstrings, you’ll burn fat, and build lean muscles. On days I choose to go on the stair climber I go for about 20 minutes. Some days I can push it for 30 or only 15 minutes. Listen to your body and do what feels comfortable for you. I will start at a level 6 for the first 5 minutes and then push it up to 8 when I get to 10 min. I will stay at 8 till about 15 minutes and that’s when I start changing it up a bit. I will jump to a level 13 for 30 seconds and then back down to a level 5 for 30 seconds. I will do those 30-second intervals till I get to 20 min. These intervals are what is going to target fat burning. Once you’re done with that stair climber workout I guarantee you’ll be dripping with sweat and feeling amazing!

Cycling: 

• Lately, I have been loving taking cycling classes! These cycling classes are 60 minutes long and are such a great cardio workout. I usually choose to take cycling class on Sundays after a long weekend. I enjoy taking these classes because it is someone telling you what to do and there is no room for slacking!! On Sundays I feel sluggish and don’t feel like working out I will tell myself to sign up for cycling class and I never regret it! Since Saturdays are usually the night I like to go out on the town with friends and have some drinks, these classes are a great opportunity to just sweat it all out.