Weekend Wanderings | Indoor Cardio for the Summer

I am by no means a fitness expert, but I do know that cardio is a very important part of your physical health. Increasing your heart rate releases endorphins, which promote positive reactions throughout your body and mind. Health experts say we need a minimum of 180 minutes of cardio a week to keep the heart in good health. That isn’t that much time if you think about it.

Needless to say, we need all of the endorphins we can get! But in the hot summer weather, it’s hard to stay motivated when working outside is virtually impossible for those of us in the southern states. So we put together are a few ideas to add cardio to your workout while staying indoors, so you can continue your workouts without being beat by the heat! Let us know if you try any of these exercises, and what your favorite indoor workouts are!

Burpees

Burpees are a great way to get your heart rate up while also toning different sections of your body. Just jump up with your arms stretched towards the sky, fold into a tuck, and then extend into a plank position. For an extra challenge, add a push up once you are in your plank. And for an easier version, forego the first jump and just set stretch your arms! Try for 4 sets of 10 each, with breaks in between!

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are super simple, and another great way to increase your heart rate. If you have ankle or wrist weights, adding those elements make this move even harder. I like to switch sides when I do this, to make it a little less monotonous. These are also a great way to begin a workout!

Mountain Climbers

A great move for those of us really wanting to target our abdominal muscles, but also needing to break a sweat! Just get into a normal plank position and start “running” in place—crunching your knees in one at a time. I like to twist my body as much as I can towards each side, so that my knees are pointing to the wall instead of right under my body. Try and do these for 30 seconds straight for 4 sets with a break in between.

Jump Rope

Chances are, you already have a jump rope waiting to be used in your garage. Although we typically think of these as a kids toy, jumping rope is proven to be one of the most effective full body workouts. Check out Amanda Kloots’, who started a popular jump rope course in NYC and now tours the country sharing her knowledge. Find her on Instagram here.

Jump Squats

We’re starting to see a common theme here- jumps! This move is great because it targets the rear buscles and has a ton of variations. I personaly like to do alternating jump squats with one leg in front of the other in a “forward lunge” position. But you can also go for normal double-legged squats, to really feel a burn on your backside! I like to shoot for 4 sets of 12, or 4 sets of 6 on each leg.

Chair Hops

This one is super simple and can be done with any smaller chair in your household. Just place your hands on the edges of the chair and hop from side to side with your feet in a tuck. Try for 4 sets of 20 with a break in between!

High Knees

Because it is way too hot to run outside, doing some high knees indoor is a perfect substitute for this type of cardio. Try and do high knees for one-minute intervals, and then give yourself a 15-second break in between.

Let us know how you’re staying fit this summer- and which of these ideas you add to your workout! Happy Saturday friends!

Workout Clothes & Gear

SHESHE’S TIDBITS

• Next up, we will highlight more summer sales but we will also talk about a new bra from Soma Intimates. You are going to love it!!
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