Fall and winter are rolling in, and with that comes colder weather and fluffy jackets – both excuses to stop going on runs. Braving the cold is hard to overcome, but now it’s no longer an excuse to skip out on cardio. Next time you don’t want to step outside for your exercise, use these five forms of cardio that you can do inside. These exercises aren’t muscle workouts, but rather other forms of cardio when running isn’t cutting it.
1. Jumping jacks
This classic exercise will get your heart pumping and your muscles working in just a few minutes. Start with your feet together and hands by your sides, then jump out to a wider stance and clap your hands above your head, which is a classic jumping jack form. Jump continuously for up to a minute, then rest for a minute, and repeat as many times as you want. Trust me when I say jumping jacks will give you a solid workout, even though they give you flashbacks to P.E. class in grade school.
2. Windmills
No, unfortunately you can’t power your phone charger with these, but you can get a great cardio workout focused on your core. Start with your feet farther apart than shoulder width (wherever you’re comfortable), then hold you arms straight out to your sides. Bring your right hand down to your left foot by keeping your elbow straight, bending your core and twisting. Return to the original position and repeat on the other side. Work continuously for two minutes, rest for a minute and repeat.
3. Mountain climbers
This exercise will get your legs working almost more than going for a jog. Start in a push-up position with your arms extended, feet together and body flat. Lift your right foot up and bring your knee to your chest. Quickly switch from your right knee to your left by re-extending your right leg and bringing your left knee up to your chest. Repeat continuously for 30 seconds, rest for a minute and then repeat. Even though there are no real mountains to climb in Florida, I’d say this is a pretty great alternative.
4. Jumping squat
While squats might sound daunting, they’re sure to get you in shape. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, squat down until your knees are at a 90-degree angle, then extend you legs and jump straight up into the air. Be sure to land with your knees slightly bent to lessen the impact on your knees. Work on these continuously for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds and repeat.
5. Dancing
Working out doesn’t always have to be work! Next time you want to break a sweat, turn up your party playlist and dance it out. As long as it’s an active dance session (with lots of lawnmower and sprinkler moves) and it lasts for 10 to 30 minutes, it’ll burn major calories. Enjoy your next cardio workout with your favorite songs. Try learning the dance in your favorite music video!
These cardio moves will take your fall and winter workouts to a whole new level, keeping you fit and lean through the cold months, or just when you don’t want to see anyone on your run. Use these to work off those pumpkin spice lattes you’ll be drinking every morning and give yourself an excuse for an extra slice at Leonardo’s by the Slice on the weekends.
Photo credits: www.yourallaround.com