Wednesday 3 August 2016

The 15-Minute Cardio Workout That’s Better Than Running On A Treadmill

fizkes / Getty Images

Unless you enjoy cardio machines, or are training for a race or event, you don’t have to log long runs on the treadmill to get your heart rate up, explains Eric Fleishman, celebrity trainer and author of Hollywood Muscle. Performing bodyweight exercises quickly, and with minimal rest, will give you similar cardiovascular benefits (and sometimes even more), he explains.

Fleishman created the challenging cardio and strength routine below. Since there’s no weights or machines needed, these moves could be done in a gym or at home. Try doing this workout first thing in the morning, recommends Fleishman. “You’ll jumpstart your day, and following a healthy breakfast, you’ll ride the wave of those wonderful endorphins all day long.”

If you’ve got 15 minutes, you’ve got no excuse. Learn how to do the routine below, then save the pin at the bottom for easy reference!

1. Bodyweight Squats — 15 reps

squat_2

Whitney Thielman

  • Start standing with feet just slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  • Sit your butt back into a squat, without letting your knees go past your toes. Make sure your weight is in your heels, and keep your chest up. (Check this story out for more form tips.)
  • That’s 1 rep, do 15.

2. Reverse Lunges — 15 reps 

REVERSE_LUNGE

Whitney Thielman

  • Start in a standing position with your feet about shoulder-width apart.
  • Step backwards with your left foot, landing on the ball of your left foot and keeping your heel off the ground.
  • Bend your knees creating two 90-degree angles with your legs. Aim to have your back knee hovering about three to six inches off the ground. 
  • Push through the heel of your right foot to return to standing. Repeat with your left leg. 
  • That’s 1 rep, do 15.

The post The 15-Minute Cardio Workout That’s Better Than Running On A Treadmill appeared first on SELF.

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