Circuit Training for Cardio

If time goes by slowly while you're doing your cardio workout, try adding a little variety. You could do a different type of cardio activity each day, or you could try circuit training:

Split your cardio exercise time up between three different exercises. For example, if your recommended cardio goal for the day is 25 minutes, you could do 10 minutes on your bike, 10 minutes on a fast walk with your dog, and 5 minutes dancing with an aerobic dance video.

Another type of circuit training is done with strength training. In this type of circuit training, you don't rest between strength exercises, but you do cardiovascular exercise instead. For example, you might do 12 reps of pushups followed immediately by a run down the driveway and back. Then you'd go right back into another set of pushups. This burns a lot of calories because you are working your heart and your major muscles all at once with no rest. However, it should only be done occasionally, or it will reduce the effectiveness of your strength training. This is because strength training on a regular basis requires rest, stretching, and a chance for the muscles to heal. You generally won't be able to lift as much weight when circuit training, so your muscles don't make the same gains.

Have fun shaking up your workout routine!

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