Of all the categories of exercise, most people dread cardio. It's intensive and can get repetitive quite fast. How do you avoid this? We've compiled some tips to help you beat the boredom and enjoy working out.
JOIN A CLASS
If you're tired of watching fake scenery stretch out in front of you on the treadmill screen, swap that for a workout class. There is something for everyone- Zumba, Body Pump, or even dance class.
GRAB A FRIEND
Everything is more fun when we're in a community. Take a friend along for motivation, conversation, and a little competition. Company takes your mind off the burn, and an hour of cardio will fly by before you know it.
MIX IT UP
If you're a gym enthusiast, change up your routine to beat boredom. Begin with a walk on the treadmill, then move to the rowing machine. Finish up with spin bikes, and in an hour, you will have exercised most of your major muscle groups.
THINK OUTSIDE THE GYM
You use more energy running outside than you do on a treadmill since you don't have the moving belt to help you. Also, you're making starts and stops while battling the elements. All these factors drive the caloric burn up. Switch it up with some hill sprints or running on the stairs in a parking garage.
LESS IS MORE
Most people think of cardio as spending an hour doing a continuous activity, which is a significant time commitment. However, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) exercises provide the opportunity for even the busiest person to work out. A full training session can take 4 to 15 minutes a day. HIIT uses intense moves with short bursts to effectively burn calories and transform your body without eating up your lots of time.
MAKE TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU
Who said exercise has to be laborious? Download Zombies, Run! from Google Playstore, or the App Store. Follow the audio clues to escape the zombies and reach the safe zone. Other games that don't involve running include Wii games like Punch-Out!! or Wii Sports.
TRY A NEW SPORT
Join a friendly game of a sport you've never played before. You can do it with a friend or alone depending on the sport. The mixture of friendly competition and physical activity will make the session fun.
LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS
To keep yourself from getting bored during runs, listen to audiobooks. Doing this keeps you interested and takes your mind off the running.
REPLACE RUNNING WITH RESISTANCE TRAINING
If you need to save time, go for weight lifting over cardio. Research shows that lifting weights in a circuit training pattern with limited rest between exercises can induce aerobic activity and boost your metabolism. After finishing a weight workout, your body continues to burn calories as it repairs the exercised muscles.
SEX, BABY!
Intercourse can burn up to 100 calories, and doesn't feel like a workout. It also boosts your immune system and relieves stress.
If you need a break from your fitness routine, try these suggestions. Go outside, enlist a friend, or join a sport, and you'll have fun while meeting your fitness goals.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
