Cardio is the worst

how long have you been doing cardio work? It does get easier, but it takes some time. Maybe your initial intensity is too high.

As to boredom, gym machines for cardio are boring, but it too eases in time. After a few weeks, your body gets stronger and your mind drifts to other things. You can use music or tv to distract. Or, you could forego the indoor cardio and do some nature trails so the scenes are constantly changing.

moyer566 wrote: »

cardio can be anything that gets your heart rate up
dancing, zumba, hoola hooping, spinning poi, walking, jogging, vinyasna yoga, swimming, jump rope, stairs. etc

find something you like to do and do that

Agreed - I rarely do the 'boring' version of cardio, except when I'm in the gym to do weights, and I want to warm up and get my heart rate up before I start them. I usually get my music on to avoid being bored. But most of the time, I do boxing, hooping or spinning classes, or go swimming - things that really interest me, and are fun to do. I don't think I'd do cardio if it wasn't fun (part of the reason I avoid walking or running - doesn't interest me). You'll never turn it into a long-term habit if you're bored with something. Just because you feel unfit now doesn't mean cardio is always going to be that hard - work to your level, and slowly build up. Things like spinning classes are great, as you set your own levels and work to the max of your own ability. Same with HIIT too - but that's a killer class!

Try spinning, biking, swimming, hiking, brisk walking etc.

I use cardio to clear my mind. I have two kids at home and it's nice to go out for a walk/run and be able to have thoughts that aren't interrupted by little voices asking for things! I walk outside and the other night there were lots of bats out, which was interesting.

One of the trainers at my Y is an extremely fit woman in her late 30's maybe early 40's. I'm talking ripped.
She doesn't do cardio. She just lifts heavy. Guys at the gym are envious of her build.
Personally I love to swim. And I swim a lot. 4 miles a day min. For me it works my back, core and upper body strength as well. Not just aerobic.
Also hit the weight room 3 times a week. Sometimes more.

I'm not a massive fan of straight cardio either. Weights and circuit training is where it's at for me. I'm neutral-ish towards running provided it's outside and I can look at stuff, listen to music/podcasts etc. I try to go once a week, mostly to improve my performance in OCR and to have a well rounded fitness routine. But I basically have to drag myself out the door.

Weights and circuit training are my fav and get my heart rate up. But I do use the incline treadmill (goes up to 40% incline, and has preprogrammed workouts that kick butt). Some people only lift, and their bodies are killer.