Do you find yourself struggling to stay motivated during your cardio workouts? Are you looking for a way to challenge yourself and make your workouts more effective? If so, incorporating cardio interval workouts into your routine may be the solution you're looking for.
Many people struggle with finding the right type of cardio workout that fits their needs and helps them achieve their fitness goals. For some, running on a treadmill for an extended amount of time can become monotonous and unchallenging. Others may feel intimidated by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or unsure of how to approach this type of exercise.
The best cardio interval workouts provide a combination of high-intensity bursts of activity followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This type of workout is effective for burning calories, improving cardiovascular health, and building endurance.
If you're looking for a way to spice up your cardio routine and see results, here are some of the best cardio interval workouts to try:
1. Tabata
Tabata is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that involves 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. This pattern is repeated for a total of eight rounds, resulting in a four-minute workout. This type of workout is effective for burning calories, improving endurance, and increasing metabolism.
Personally, I have found Tabata to be a challenging workout that really gets my heart pumping. I like to incorporate exercises like burpees, jump squats, and mountain climbers into my Tabata routine for a full-body workout.
2. Fartlek
Fartlek is a Swedish term that means "speed play." This type of workout involves alternating between periods of intense exercise and periods of recovery. Unlike traditional HIIT workouts, Fartlek intervals are not timed and can be customized to fit your fitness level.
During a Fartlek workout, you can mix up your exercises by increasing or decreasing your speed, incline, or resistance. This type of workout is effective for burning calories, improving endurance, and building cardiovascular health.
I like to go for a run outside and incorporate Fartlek intervals by increasing my speed for short bursts of time. This type of workout keeps me engaged and motivated throughout my run.
3. Plyometrics
Plyometrics, also known as "jump training," involves explosive movements that engage the muscles and increase heart rate. This type of workout is effective for improving power, speed, and agility.
During a plyometric workout, you can incorporate exercises like jump squats, box jumps, and jump lunges. This type of workout is challenging but can be modified to fit your fitness level.
I like to incorporate plyometric exercises into my Tabata routine for an added challenge and full-body workout.
4. Cardio Machines
If you prefer to use cardio machines at the gym, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate interval training into your routine. Most cardio machines, like the treadmill or elliptical, have pre-programmed interval workouts that you can use.
Personally, I like to use the stair climber and incorporate high-intensity intervals by increasing the speed and resistance for short bursts of time.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I do cardio interval workouts?
A: It is recommended to do cardio interval workouts 2-3 times per week, with rest days in between. It is important to listen to your body and adjust your workout routine as needed.
Q: What are the benefits of cardio interval workouts?
A: Cardio interval workouts are effective for burning calories, improving cardiovascular health, and building endurance. They can also help increase metabolism and improve overall fitness.
Q: How do I know if I am doing enough during a cardio interval workout?
A: During a cardio interval workout, you should aim to work at a high intensity during the intense periods and allow yourself to fully recover during the rest periods. You should also aim to feel challenged during the workout but not to the point of exhaustion.
Q: Can cardio interval workouts be modified for beginners?
A: Yes, cardio interval workouts can be modified to fit your fitness level. It is important to start with shorter intervals and lower intensity and gradually increase as your fitness level improves.
Conclusion of Best Cardio Interval Workouts
Adding cardio interval workouts to your routine can help you see better results and feel more motivated during your workouts. Whether you choose to try Tabata, Fartlek, plyometrics, or cardio machines, there are plenty of ways to incorporate interval training into your routine. Remember to listen to your body and adjust your workouts as needed to see the best results.
