Many people choose to do their cardio outdoors. There is nothing like a brisk morning run or even an evening walk. Cardio burns calories and keeps you fit as well as strengthens your heart and your lungs. As the weather gets colder in the fall, some people like to take their cardio workouts inside instead of bundling up and taking on the weather. Others find indoor cardio more convenient in general.
It is important that you know how to get the most out of an indoor cardio routine. There is no need to get out of shape in the winter and cardio is a vital part of any workout or exercise regimen. Keeping a consistent cardio routine is extremely important to anyone that wishes to stay in shape and stay healthy or keep up with a diet plan that includes exercise.
Here are some of the top indoor cardio activities to help you stay in shape without braving winter weather. You can find the necessary equipment at the gym or even buy this equipment for your home if you are really serious about indoor cardio. There are even some indoor cardio exercises that do not require equipment that you may want to consider.
- The Eliptical
Elipticals are one of the most popular pieces of gym equipment today. No gym is complete without a set of these great cardio machines. The eliptical is popular for good reason – it is not only an excellent way to get a cardio workout, but it is also easy on the joints. You can even target your entire body to get a good full body workout at the same time. Increase the incline to the max to focus on your glute muscles and let go of the handles to focus on your core muscles.
- The Stairclimber
Stairclimbers have been around for a long time. They are a tried and true method of obtaining an quality indoor cardio workout. A stairclimber provides phenomenal aerobic endurance while toning the body, especially the legs. It works your entire leg from your quads and glutes to your calves. This is great if you want to tone your legs and get your cardio in at the same time.
- The Stationary Bike
The stationary bike gives you a lot of valuable variability. You can easily adjust your resistance to many different levels to get the amount of resistance that is perfect to maximize your cardio routine. Set it with enough resistance that you do not pedal yourself off of the bike, but you want to be able to sprint when necessary. Changing the pace like this will really work your heart and your lungs.
- The Treadmill
Treadmills are great. This is especially true if you are just getting started with a workout routine. They are also excellent for experienced fitness enthusiasts. A treadmill incorporates both walking and running. People often do not appreciate how good a simple, brisk walk is for cardio. If you want to amp up your workout you can increase your treadmill to jogging speed and then to running.
- Indoor Cardio Exercises
Some other cardio activities you can do indoors and even in your home are things like the “55 workout.” This involves doing 1 body weight squat followed immediately by 10 pushups. Then do 2 body weight squats and 9 pushups. Repeat this pattern and you will have done 55 of each exercise when you have finished. It is a great way to get your blood pumping and it also works your arms, core and your legs.
Warming Up and Cooling Down
Just like when you do your cardio outdoors or before you engage in any sort of exercise you will need to warm up. No matter what piece of cardio equipment you choose or what type of exercise you will be doing you need to do about a ten minutes warm up beforehand. Dynamic stretching is great or you can also choose to do ten minutes on your equipment at a leisurely pace to get your muscles warmed up and your heart pumping. After your cardio workout you will also need to do a few minutes of cooling down, followed by stretching any muscles you worked during your cardio like your legs.