Talking about cardio often makes people cringe, especially when recalling that last grueling treadmill session. Many of us dread cardio so much that we end up avoiding it altogether. To tackle this issue, we reached out to some experts for tips on making cardio more enjoyable. What are the best cardio tips for those who hate it?
A common gripe about cardio is that it’s boring and monotonous. To spice things up, try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT offers the same benefits as traditional cardio but in less time. It involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods. You can do it anywhere, adding variety by incorporating different exercises.
Ryan George, a fitness expert, suggests working out with a friend and choosing fun activities that naturally get your heart rate up. Whether it’s playing tag, boxing, or hiking, the focus shifts from the cardio itself to the enjoyable activity. In classes, mixing traditional tools like soccer balls and jump ropes in unconventional ways can keep things interesting. For instance, doing lunges while passing a soccer ball to a partner keeps your mind engaged.
Leonard Scriven, owner of PushPointe Indoor Cycle and Fitness, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the activity rather than the cardio component. Sandbag training, where you jog and throw a sandbag, or resistance band exercises done with a partner, take your mind off the effort and make the workout more engaging.
Jacqueline Kelly, a certified personal trainer, recommends working out with a friend to make the experience more enjoyable. Whether you’re side-by-side on treadmills or walking around your neighborhood, conversation can be a great distraction. Even climbing stairs at work with a coworker while chatting can make the time fly by.
Dr. Kristian Henderson, a fitness instructor, advocates for joining fitness classes. The variety is endless—yoga, barre, boot camp, cross-fit, Pilates, cycling, and more. Classes provide structured workouts with an instructor to ensure proper form and accountability. They’re great for beginners and veterans alike, offering a way to keep your body guessing and making continuous improvements.
Some people find listening to recorded books particularly beneficial while exercising. According to Jill Weisenberger, a Virginia-based dietitian, a good mystery novel can keep you jogging or pedaling longer as you’re drawn into the story. The key is to save your listening for workout sessions only.
Shane McLean, a personal trainer, touts the effectiveness of classic Tabata training for a quick yet powerful cardio workout. This method involves 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for eight rounds. Moves like squats, lunges, high knees, and running in place can yield excellent results in just four minutes.
Jacqueline Kelly encourages tapping into the joy of childlike play. Activities like jumping rope, swinging on monkey bars, skipping across a basketball court, or hula hooping can make you forget you’re even exercising. Think of it as playtime rather than a workout.
Creating new habits often requires accountability, according to Dr. Kristian Henderson. Friends who share similar fitness goals can keep you on track. A workout buddy can make gym sessions more enjoyable and help you stay committed.
If you’re goal-oriented or enjoy a bit of competition, training for a 5k can add purpose to your cardio routine. Working toward a goal can make it easier to stick with your exercises and even earn you a medal.
Angelique Millis, a fitness professional, advises circuit training as an effective solution for those short on time. A 30-minute circuit training session can burn up to 500 calories by combining cardio with strength training. This method keeps your heart rate elevated and targets every aspect of fitness, from strength to agility. You can use dumbbells, bodyweight exercises, and more to keep things varied and efficient.
In sum, the best cardio tips for those who dislike cardio center around making it enjoyable and less monotonous. Whether it’s through HIIT, engaging activities, fitness classes, or working out with friends, there are plenty of ways to overcome your aversion and start living a healthier life. So get out there and start your cardio journey today!