fitness, working out, cardio, training There is indeed the best cardio for those who absolutely hate doing cardio, image: Unsplash
Although you may think otherwise, there is indeed the best cardio for those who absolutely hate doing cardio. Many people are in that group; running , jumping and getting out of breath with their heart beating a thousand times is not their thing. They prefer a strength routine that does make them sweat, but without having to go from one place to another.
The bad news is that cardiovascular exercise is essential not only for staying fit, but also for maintaining your health. The good news is that there are alternatives to running or jumping rope that make these types of workouts much more appealing and easier to add to your weekly routine.
According to trainer Nerea Povedano Roa from Entrena Virtual , the largest online fitness platform in Spanish, dancing can be the solution to all the problems that people who are reluctant to do cardio may encounter, since these types of classes “are addictive and very fun.”
It is not surprising since among its options we can find everything from hip hop to reggaeton, bachata, mambo, dance and all the musical genres that will make you move your body practically without you realizing it, and that is what it is all about.
But dancing can be the best cardio for everyone, no matter their fitness level or age, for many other reasons. Psychotherapist F. Diane Barth explained that dancing can “help with emotional and physical healing,” and Harvard shared that it allows for the development of “muscles and bones, reduces fat, increases aerobic capacity, lowers blood pressure , and improves the ratio of “good” to “bad” cholesterol.”
A 30- or 40-minute session with your favourite songs will help you take care of yourself physically and mentally, you will have a great time and you can do it perfectly from home. What more could you ask for?
But if dancing isn't your thing, don't worry, because Povedano also offers the option of doing 10- or 15-minute HIIT circuits. They're so short that you won't even have time to realize that you've done cardio, but your body will notice it with all its positive effects.
And when can or should we do it if we already do strength circuits? The trainer says that “as a general rule, strength training is done separately from cardiovascular training , either in different sessions or separately within the same session, so that the body really has the adaptations of each of its workouts.”
So if the routine is long it may be preferable to do it on different days (2 a week) , but if it is short, include it in your regular routine but leaving enough time between both so as not to overload.
[via GQ Spain]
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