The 10 Spot: Spice Up Your Cardio

If you’re a guy and you lift weights, odds are that you don’t enjoy doing cardio. However, in order for those muscles to show you have to burn fat. The quickest and safest way to do that is through low to medium intensity cardio training. Good old-fashioned running is probably the least exciting of all cardio and it’s really the most taxing on your joints. However, more and more people are reverting to alternate methods of cardio activity.

Here’s a list of the top 10 cardio exercises you’re probably not doing. And if you aren’t — give them a shot and see which ones work for you best.

1. Elliptical machine - This is becoming one of the more popular gym machines and great alternative to traditional running. If you’ve never tried it, check it out and find out just how gentlier it is on your joints.

2. Swimming - In the spirit of the Summer Olympics, swimming is one of the calorie burning ”kings.” Mostly because it is a full body workout and you’re going up against your own resistance in the water. You don’t have to be Michael Phelps though – swimming laps for just 20 minutes at a good pace will do the trick.

3. Biking - This is a great exercise because you can choose to use a gym bike and stay indoors, or your own bike and tour the landscape. Make sure you find a speed that is right for you. Typically you can burn up to 500 calories in 30 minutes.

4. Raquetball - It’s gotta be that little blue ball right? Actually chasing that ball burns an average of 400 calories per half hour. And if you’re as competitive as me, you enjoy the trials and tribulations of sports as opposed to a monotonous session on the treadmill.

5. Jumping rope - Ever notice how lean boxers are? Enough said.

6. Step Aerobics - Geared towards women, this exercise targets the most common problem areas while burning up to 450 calories per half hour. Nice!

7. Kickboxing - If you find a class that’s considered “aerobic” or ”cardio” kickboxing you’ll truly get some serious calorie burning accomplished. The combination of perpetual movement, kicking, and punching make it an excellent cardio alternative.

8. Interval training - Yeah, I know you’re sick of running. But, if you’re looking for an alternative to the treadmill, interval training will burn more calories in less time. Check out my previous post to find out what I’m talking about.

9. Rollerblading - If you’re not experienced make sure you have all the gear — heck even if you are experienced. It can be an effective cardio exercise if you do it at a high enough intensity for at least 30 minutes.

10. Power walking - If for no other reason than to just get outside and away from the treadmill, this exercise can hold its own when it comes to burning calories. Yes, you’ll look a little funny, but you’ll burn up to 200 calories in 30 minutes depending on your intensity. Then you’ll be the one who’s laughing.