We all know that cardio exercise is important, not only for our cardiovascular health but anyone looking to lose weight doing cardio is key.  However, doing cardio might not be the most exciting activity you rush to the gym to do and if there is one thing that will make us miss spending time on the treadmill or bail from the gym completely it is getting bored with our workouts.  If you have experienced this in the past or worried you may come to this crossroad in the future, use these three workout tips to help keep you amped and focused on your cardio routine.

Have you ever noticed how great a triathletes body looks?  There is a reason for this, by combining three events they get the results of each, a cyclists toned legs, a swimmers round shoulders, and a runners lean physique.  Don't worry you don't have to sign up for the Ironman to get these results.  These three cardio workouts will help keep you energized in the gym and you can do all of them in under 30 minutes.  I suggest doing at least one workout on two non-consecutive days each week.  

Train like a Triathlete

Start on a bike and pedal at a moderate pace, think level 5-6.  Next run outside or on the treadmill for 10 minutes again at a level of 5-6.  Lastly, hit the pool or rowing machine for 10 minutes again at a level of 5-6.

Plyometric Toner

Jump rope for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds, do 5 sets.

Next perform 20 reps each of this circuit without resting, squats, pushups, switch lunges, dips, and crunches.  Rest for 1 minute and repeat.

Lastly, finish with a 10 minute jog at a level 5-6.

Calorie Burner

Choose any three cardio machines, for example the bike, starimaster, and treadmill. 

Start on the first and go for 10 minutes at a level 5-6.

Next go to the next machine and push yourself to go for 10 minutes at a level 9-10.

Lastly go the final machine and workout for 10 minutes again at a level 5-6.  

Brooke Griffin

Fitness Expert and Fitness Universe Champion