The Best Ways to Get Cardio Into Your Day
After a hard-hitting pandemic, long work-from-home hours, and the stresses of daily life, your health needs even more attention. Though you likely know that cardio is a critical piece of the puzzle, fitting it into your day can be challenging. But there are plenty of smart ways to sneak in some cardio in your lifestyle.
Even if you're not feeling like strapping on those gym shoes, these tips will help you get your heart rate up and improve your overall health.
Bike to Work
If your work is close enough to bike to, this is a great way to add in some cardio. Not only will you get your heart rate up, but you'll also get some fresh air and Vitamin D. If your route has hills, all the better! Bonus points if you can find a parking spot further away from the entrance.
Use Your Legs Whenever You Can
This includes taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk during your lunch break, and doing squats or lunges when you're taking a break from work. These bite-size exercises add up and slowly but surely help you get closer to your fitness goals.
Get a Workout Buddy
Working out with someone else is always more fun, and it will also hold you accountable. If you know you have a friend waiting for you at the gym or on your run route, you're less likely to bail.
Find an Activity You Love
This could be anything from dancing to hiking to playing sports. When you find something you genuinely enjoy, it's not as hard to fit it into your day. And the more active you are, the less likely you will slack off later on.
Wake up Early
Wake up early! An oldie but a goodie. If you can manage to get up a little bit earlier, you can use that time to squeeze in a quick cardio workout. This could be as simple as going for a walk or jog, doing some bodyweight exercises, or hopping on the treadmill for a few minutes. Plus, you'll be done with your cardio for the day and can relax knowing that you got it in.
Use Your Downtime
Whenever you're watching TV, browsing the internet, or just slacking on the couch, use that time to do some light cardio. This could be anything from marching in place to doing jumping jacks. It may not seem like a lot, but it all adds up. Just keep your home workout mat nearby and do a rep of sit ups or push ups during commercials.
Take Advantage of Your Weekends
Hiking, biking, or hitting the pool are all great ways to get in some cardio on the weekends. And if you really want to make the most of your time, try signing up for a race or a fitness challenge; there's nothing like a little friendly competition to get you moving.
Cardio doesn't have to be hard or time-consuming. With these easy tips, you can work it into your day without even noticing. And you'll be seeing results in no time.