Three Winter Cardio Ideas
Erin Mellinger • October 14, 2022
With the fall season upon us and winter weather quickly approaching, many of us don’t feel the motivation or determination to get outside for a walk or jog. I can relate! As much as I love walking, jogging, biking, and hiking, I avoid those things in cold weather! However, many people find the treadmill and other home cardio equipment a little boring.
But indoor cardio doesn’t just mean doing the treadmill or elliptical. Here are three things you can do to get a cardio workout from home without purchasing a piece of cardio equipment.
- Use your stairs and hallway. Try walking up and down your stairs a few times, doing some marches and shuffles in the hallway, and then repeating. You could even get your upper body and core involved with some punches and twists. Just start moving and keep your heart rate high and you’ll be surprised how easily you can fill 10-15 minutes.
- Do an online cardio workout. Between free apps, youtube and social media there are so many cardio workouts online that you can follow along with from your home without any equipment. It can be fun and it’s a great way to learn and get new ideas. But please be careful! There is a risk with doing any online workouts if you haven’t mastered the form or movement or know your limits.
- Bundle up and get outside! I know I said I dislike doing my favorite activities in the cold. But whenever I do, I’m always glad I did. There are some real emotional and physical benefits to getting a little activity outside in the winter. Getting fresh air, being in nature, and even getting a little cold in the elements can feel good and do wonders for you. I once heard it’s never the wrong weather, just the wrong clothing! Try to embrace that mindset this winter!
If you have goals of making real cardio gains or running your first 5k, these cardio workouts may not be the best for you. However, if you have goals of getting more active or supplementing your workouts with a little extra movement and calorie burn, then these will be great options in the winter.
If you are struggling with keeping active or unsure of what is best for your fitness goals, our Axio Fitness personal trainers would love to help!
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