New Ideas for Cardio?

I've been working out for years and years, but I'm now looking for new ways to get more cardio. I use the treadmill, stationary bike, and elliptical (of course), but what can I add that's different? Nothing with a class; I like to workout by myself, mostly. Thanks in advance!
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Replies

  • Ryapm
    Ryapm Posts: 17 Member
    FitStar App!
  • jayclock
    jayclock Posts: 51 Member
    real live running? Real live cycling. Swimming?
  • kinmad4it
    kinmad4it Posts: 185 Member
    Burpees!
  • DangerJim71
    DangerJim71 Posts: 361 Member
    Another vote for swimming. Hardest cardio I do is in the pool and it's an outstanding core and shoulder workout.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    Underwater jogging? Really, it just matters on what you LIKE to do. I love running or spending a good long while on my bike. It's cardio. If you don't enjoy either, what good is it if I recommend that as another option?
  • bperkins88
    bperkins88 Posts: 357 Member
    jumping rope <3
  • BigSnicka
    BigSnicka Posts: 151 Member
    I do a HIIT mix for my cardio that I don't mind sharing.

    1st set
    Treadmill for 5 minutes = 1:30 Brisk walk/jog 1:30 Sprint 1:00 Brisk walk/jog 1:00 Sprint
    Kettle Bell / Box Jumps = 25 Kettle Bell Squats 10 Box Jumps 25 Kettle Bell Swings 10 Box Jumps
    2nd set
    Treadmill for 5 minutes = 1:30 Brisk walk/jog 1:30 Sprint 1:00 Brisk walk/jog 1:00 Sprint
    Crunches w/ legs elevated = 25 Front 25 Left Leg 25 Right Leg
    6" Leg Lifts = 20-25 lifts
    Planks = 30-60 sec
    3rd set
    Treadmill for 5 minutes = 1:30 Brisk walk/jog 1:30 Sprint 1:00 Brisk walk/jog 1:00 Sprint
    Weighted Sit-ups = 50 @ 50 lbs 50 @ 75 lbs 50 @ 100 lbs (or a comfortable weight for you)

    I tend to do any variation of these and usually get in 3-4 sets which only has me on the treadmill about 15-20 minutes, but with no rest breaks in-between I normally look like I stepped in the shower with my clothes on and the results have been amazing.
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    Thanks, everyone! Love the swimming and underwater jogging ideas, as well as all the others. Way to help me get out of a rut!
  • joseejolie
    joseejolie Posts: 50 Member
    Thanks for sharing. That's a great HIIT routine. I think I might steal it.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Use the treadmill but unplug it first. That's my current favorite.
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    Use the treadmill but unplug it first. That's my current favorite.
    You mean you walk on it without it moving? Not sure I get it.
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    I do a HIIT mix for my cardio that I don't mind sharing.

    1st set
    Treadmill for 5 minutes = 1:30 Brisk walk/jog 1:30 Sprint 1:00 Brisk walk/jog 1:00 Sprint
    Kettle Bell / Box Jumps = 25 Kettle Bell Squats 10 Box Jumps 25 Kettle Bell Swings 10 Box Jumps
    2nd set
    Treadmill for 5 minutes = 1:30 Brisk walk/jog 1:30 Sprint 1:00 Brisk walk/jog 1:00 Sprint
    Crunches w/ legs elevated = 25 Front 25 Left Leg 25 Right Leg
    6" Leg Lifts = 20-25 lifts
    Planks = 30-60 sec
    3rd set
    Treadmill for 5 minutes = 1:30 Brisk walk/jog 1:30 Sprint 1:00 Brisk walk/jog 1:00 Sprint
    Weighted Sit-ups = 50 @ 50 lbs 50 @ 75 lbs 50 @ 100 lbs (or a comfortable weight for you)

    I tend to do any variation of these and usually get in 3-4 sets which only has me on the treadmill about 15-20 minutes, but with no rest breaks in-between I normally look like I stepped in the shower with my clothes on and the results have been amazing.

    Could you explain what "box jumps" are? And what do you mean by the crunches--just to the center, and then to the left and right? I can never picture these things from the description---sorry!
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    Underwater jogging? Really, it just matters on what you LIKE to do. I love running or spending a good long while on my bike. It's cardio. If you don't enjoy either, what good is it if I recommend that as another option?

    I know, but I'm very susceptible to suggestion. I just wanted to hear what others do. I'm going to try the underwater jogging. Any tips?
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    jumping rope <3
    On it!
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    Another vote for swimming. Hardest cardio I do is in the pool and it's an outstanding core and shoulder workout.
    Any suggestions for making it challenging? Probably just go faster, I know.....
  • astronomicals
    astronomicals Posts: 1,537 Member
    Use the treadmill but unplug it first. That's my current favorite.

    srs?

    This like weird sled push simulation?
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    jumping rope <3
    On it!

    +1 for jumping rope.

    I have also created my own circuit as well.

    Sprints, suicides, box jumps, jump rope, route running (football) etc.....
  • jumping rope <3

    Love doing jumping rope intervals! Gets you heart rate up in no time and a good sweat. Since i started doing them I haven't been able to get myself back on the boring cardio machines. Love this form of cardio.
  • jumping rope <3
    On it!

    +1 for jumping rope.

    I have also created my own circuit as well.

    Sprints, suicides, box jumps, jump rope, route running (football) etc.....

    I do this too! I'm in my own world and time flys by so quickly too. ;)
  • dshalbert
    dshalbert Posts: 677 Member
    I just discovered x-country skiing! Since winter does not seem to have an end in sight here I decided to give it a try.. Judgeing from your profile pic that may not be an option for you, but if you are in a snowy part of the country, it's easy and enjoyable, it hardly feels like exercise and you burn a ton of calories.
  • DangerJim71
    DangerJim71 Posts: 361 Member
    Another vote for swimming. Hardest cardio I do is in the pool and it's an outstanding core and shoulder workout.
    Any suggestions for making it challenging? Probably just go faster, I know.....

    Lots of different sets and swim workouts out there right now. Yes, faster makes it harder as does distance. I just started doing triathlon so I have and incentive to get faster. Maybe sign up for a triathlon or distance swim event. I find an upcoming race to be superior motivation to get the most of my workouts.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Use the treadmill but unplug it first. That's my current favorite.

    srs?

    This like weird sled push simulation?

    Yes, handy when you live someplace where everything is covered in snow and ice for half the year.
  • rdtraci
    rdtraci Posts: 4 Member
    Have you tried at home workouts like Insanity or T25? I like working out by myself too and at home, and these have given me great results. It's an idea for you anyway :)
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    I just discovered x-country skiing! Since winter does not seem to have an end in sight here I decided to give it a try.. Judgeing from your profile pic that may not be an option for you, but if you are in a snowy part of the country, it's easy and enjoyable, it hardly feels like exercise and you burn a ton of calories.
    Sorry--no snow here!
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member

    Lots of different sets and swim workouts out there right now. Yes, faster makes it harder as does distance. I just started doing triathlon so I have and incentive to get faster. Maybe sign up for a triathlon or distance swim event. I find an upcoming race to be superior motivation to get the most of my workouts.

    Great idea!
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member
    Have you tried at home workouts like Insanity or T25? I like working out by myself too and at home, and these have given me great results. It's an idea for you anyway :)
    I've glanced at them but not given them a serious look. Will check them out again--thanks!
  • cartow
    cartow Posts: 54 Member

    Love doing jumping rope intervals! Gets you heart rate up in no time and a good sweat. Since i started doing them I haven't been able to get myself back on the boring cardio machines. Love this form of cardio.

    Cool--I'll dust off the jump rope.
  • Lifelink
    Lifelink Posts: 193 Member
    Have you tried at home workouts like Insanity or T25? I like working out by myself too and at home, and these have given me great results. It's an idea for you anyway :)

    Highly recommended from me also. Insanity's my go to when there's loads of snow outside and my joints need a break from running in it. I'm wanting to try the P90X here soon.
  • If you had snow, I was going to recommend snow shoeing. Get out there in the deep stuff. I've been enjoying it this winter. I've found that I'm working core muscles I use while cycling. hip flexors, quads, glutes, abs, calves.

    Added bonus of beautiful scenery.