Add Simple Cardio Blasters to Your Workout

Pump Up Your Cardio with a Few Gym Class Exercises

Wendy Dawn
Tired of running on the treadmill and getting no where? Are you weary of the same old routine on the elliptical or stair climber? Add a few old school cardio boosters to your workout to shed pounds and build heart health.

Simple Cardio Intensive Workout - Jumping jacks

Surely you haven't forgotten about jumping jacks. This cardio intensive, plyometric exercise will boost your heart rate fast and also help build calves, thighs, and hamstrings while working hip flexors. Jumping jacks are not just appropriate for an elementary school gym class. They can easily be added to any workout routine in multiple sets of 10 or 20 to really get your heart going.

Simple Cardio Intensive Workout - Jump rope

If you think jumping rope is just for kids you are mistaken. Jump rope to 100 several times during your workout for a quick, interval heart rate boost. It will help strengthen your cardio endurance, and your calves will show a quick change in shape, as well.

Simple Cardio Intensive Workout - Burpees

This exercise is known by many names, but you will recognize the three simple moves that provide a cardio drill. Squat down with your knees slightly bent and your hands on the floor in front of you. Keep your hands in place and bounce your feet out straight behind you. Quickly bounce your feet in back towards your hands. As soon as your feet hit the ground jump up and reach for the sky. Try starting with 3 sets of 8 or ten reps to ramp up your cardio routine

Simple Cardio Intensive Workout - Skaters

Skaters may be the one cardio step that you didn't do in high school gym class, but if you have ever taken an aerobics class you have done some version of skaters. All you have to do is take a stance as though you are skating or roller blading. Move side to side, using your arms and feet just as you would if you were really on skates. Lunge from side to side, lifting your leg with your knee bent as you jump to the opposite side. Skaters not only elevate your heart rate, but also work almost every muscle in your body.

Adding a few simple, intensive cardio moves to your routine will improve your heart health and help blast calories during your workout.

Source: Personal fitness knowledge and experience

Published by Wendy Dawn

Wendy Dawn enjoys research and writing on various topics. Her areas of professional expertise include history, teaching, and fitness. Wendy's passions include health, fitness, wellness, and weight loss. She...  View profile

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