Redefining Cardio

“Cardio.”

I’ve been training clients for many years. Not many have liked that word.

Why? Simple. Cardio is usually hard and BORING.

Boring because cardio is often equated with monotonous running or machines like ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, etc.

Sure, we may be activating our heart, but our brain? Not so much.

Hence, boredom.

I’m not against traditional cardio at all. It can be very effective.

I’m simply saying there are alternatives that are just as, or more, effective.

And these alternatives can help to engage the brain and keep boredom to a minimum.

But we have to think outside the box a bit. This ain’t your daddy’s cardio!

Think about this … a circuit that includes 30 seconds of med ball slams … then 30 seconds of battle ropes … followed by a sled push. Rest for 30 seconds, then do it again.

Think that won’t get your heart going just as much as a run? Think again.

Or, think kettlebells. There are endless complexes and flows that can be used in a kettlebell-only circuit OR integrated with other heart-pumping moves.

(Personally I LOVE a good kettlebell circuit. Highly effective, plus I just think kettlebells look pretty badass. Style points!)

My point is cardio doesn’t have to be boring. With alternative circuits like these, there is just no time to be bored. The heart is firing AND so is the brain.

What the right circuit is for you depends on a lot of things, starting with YOU, YOUR body and YOUR goals. And aside from the specific exercises to use, variables like duration, intensity and rest intervals can also be utilized to train various energy systems.

Our personal training clients at Functional Elements go through a highly comprehensive assessment prior to any training taking place which helps us determine what the best cardio strategy is, alongside a strategic strength and resistance regiment.

So, bottom line … begin to think different about cardio. Don’t be afraid to redefine it and do different things. The less boring it is, the more you may want to keep doing it!

TRAIN FOR LIFE.

J. Antonio Muyco, III
Director of Training
Functional Elements Training & Nutrition