Creative Cardio Workout Plans

How many people like to trudge away on the treadmill to get their cardio workout in 3-5 times a week?  The answer, not many. I myself enjoy the treadmill but know I am not the majority on this one.  So what can you do to get your heart rate up to burn those calories without being on the treadmill for hours on end?  Here are some options:

Option 1: Cardio Lifting
*Don't be scared by the title

1. Squats with a shoulder press
2. Step-ups onto a bench with a bicep curl
3. Lunge w/woodchopper
4. SB-V-up pass thrus
5. Up-Down Planks
6. Dips w/toe reach
7. Chest press to a crunch
8. Deadlift to a row

*Repeat above exercises 1 time if you are a beginner, 2 times intermediate and 3-4 for advanced, you want to do 10-15 reps of each exercise

Option 2: Cardio Mix-Ups
*Note this workout is best when the gym is not to busy

1.On cardio equipment of your choice 2 minutes at the top speed you can handle
2. Get off and perform 20 squats
3. On another piece of cardio equipment of your choice 2 minutes at the top speed you can handle
4. Get off and perform 20 lunges
5. Back to 1st cardio equipment 2 minutes at the top speed you can handle
6. Get off and perform 15 jump squats (regular squats if you cannot do jump squats)
7. Side step-ups to bench w/shoulder press- 10 a side
8. Cable Woodchoppers- 10 a side
9. Pull-ups or assisted pull-ups- 15
10. Split Jumps (regular lunges if you cannot do split jumps)- 14

*Repeat above exercises 1 time if you are a beginner, 2 times intermediate and 3-4 for advanced

***Note above workouts are to be performed after a 5-10 minute warm-up and should include a 5-10 minute cool down to get your heart rate back down.

If you don't know what some of the workouts are google the names and it should pop up or check out my website for videos on some of the exercises.  www.safiretraining.com

Train like an Olympian

Since the Olympics have started I thought I would share a little training tip.  I recently read a quite saying have you looked around and seen the average American boy are we getting big!!! As I'm watching the Olympics today I'm thinking why can't everyone be in this good of shape?  Now I know not everyone is as gifted athletically as those in the Olympics but that gives no reason for the average American to not move or do the best they can.  These Olympians work hard everyday.  I am going to give you a huge hint PLAN!!! These athletes plan their workouts in advance as well as their nutrition.  You need to plan, plan, plan!! If you currently are not doing that you are letting yourself down.  If you don't know how to plan invest in a trainer.  As a trainer myself I know not every trainer is good, I get that if your skeptical.  You need to set up a consult with them get their philosophy on fitness and training, check out their personality and see if they are a good match for you.  If you want to train like an Olympian but your trainer doesn't know how to do that choose someone else.  Make sure they have the knowledge to take you to where you want to go fitness-wise.  

So if you take nothing out of this besides one thing make sure you PLAN!  Set yourself up for success and hire someone to help you if your not sure how to get their yourself.  Get off the couch and start your journey today! 

A little more motivation for you!  

Be the best you can be and you just might surprise yourself!