I have had several requests for blogs on workouts but Im not exactly sure what y'all want me to blog about so it would be great if you could let me know via email, twitter, Instagram or through the survey, thanks.
In the mean time I decided to write a blog on how you can revamp your cardio routine to make it a little more fun (if your not already enjoying it) and will give you new results; such as increased fat loss, stronger tighter core, and increased muscle 'tone'.
How do I revamp my cardio routine?
Many people tend to stick to the old tradition cardio machines but this is not the only way to do it and many find it more fun to create a circuit style bodyweight cardio/tabata/HIIT.
This usually consists of:
Personally, when doing this style of cardio, I prefer to do 30 seconds - 1 minute on followed by 1 minute - 1.5 minutes rest or less intense exercise. This will all depend on the person and how hard they feel they are being worked.
Some exercises to include in the 'working' time are:
These can be alternated with either rest period or a less intense period of work such as crunches, sit ups, planks etc. (this will depend on your level of fitness)
What are the benefits to this style of exercise?
Example Tabata style workout
In the mean time I decided to write a blog on how you can revamp your cardio routine to make it a little more fun (if your not already enjoying it) and will give you new results; such as increased fat loss, stronger tighter core, and increased muscle 'tone'.
How do I revamp my cardio routine?
Many people tend to stick to the old tradition cardio machines but this is not the only way to do it and many find it more fun to create a circuit style bodyweight cardio/tabata/HIIT.
This usually consists of:
- warm up
- 8-10 rounds of 20 seconds on followed by 10 seconds rest
- cool down
Personally, when doing this style of cardio, I prefer to do 30 seconds - 1 minute on followed by 1 minute - 1.5 minutes rest or less intense exercise. This will all depend on the person and how hard they feel they are being worked.
Some exercises to include in the 'working' time are:
- Jumping jacks
- Burpees
- Lunges
- Jump squats
- Mountain climbers
- Skater jumps
- Jump rope
- Step ups
These can be alternated with either rest period or a less intense period of work such as crunches, sit ups, planks etc. (this will depend on your level of fitness)
What are the benefits to this style of exercise?
- Increased fat burning in the 'working' period and post workout due to increased metabolic rate
- This style of cardio will put stress on the muscle and will therefore help with muscle tissue retention, creating a leaner physique
- Saves time, this style of HIIT workout will provide all the benefits and more of steady state cardio but in a shorter time period. It is ideal for those who don't like HIIT on cardio machines
- Stronger core, throughout this style of cardio you are using your core (and other muscles) a lot more than on a cardio machine and will therefore seek all the benefits of this.
Example Tabata style workout
Please seek medical advice before taking part in any physical activity to reduce chance of injury. Remember everyone is different so this may not work for you, for a customised workout plan email me at [email protected].
Squat jumps - 30 seconds
Plank - 1 minute
Burpees - 30 seconds
Crunches - 1 minute
Mountain Climbers - 30 seconds
Sit ups - 1 minute
Skater jumps - 30 seconds
V ups - 1 minute
High knee run - 30 seconds
Side plank - 1 minute (30s each side)
Tuck jumps - 30 seconds
Repeat!
Hope you enjoy this style of workout if you give it a try. Please let me know what exactly you would like to hear about in terms of