Are you tired yet?
You’ve done it all before.
The treadmill is exhausting and the time moves slowly. The elliptical is fine, but it’s not a challenge. You like shooting hoops with friends, but it’s boring when you’re alone.
Falling into a routine is easy, so switching it up is essential. Changing the types of exercises we do keeps our bodies guessing and increases our determination.
Spontaneity is key, so take a shot at one of these cardio workouts. They have surprisingly great benefits that can further improve your exercise experience.
I encourage you to think outside the box – or in this case, outside the gym.
Swimming
If you’re still adjusting to the feel of exercising regularly, look into swimming. Even if you’re skeptical about plunging into the water (you’re not exactly Michael Phelps), this is a great place to start.
Swimming is ideal for people who are dealing with stiff muscles and sore joints. It works your entire body, and this adds to joints becoming looser and more flexible.
Strokes like freestyle and butterfly tackle the most calories, but backstroke and breaststroke are great to incorporate with your cool down. You can also use a kickboard in between sets of laps.
Like yoga, swimming is a meditative exercise – your breathing is key and the rhythm of the splashing water can distract you from outside worries.
The result is lower stress and the release of more endorphins. This is an excellent way to unwind.
Don’t forget your goggles!
Boxing
Move over, men – this isn’t something that just guys do anymore. Boxing classes targeting both genders are increasing in popularity for several reasons.
When sparring and pounding down one-on-one techniques, participants in boxing classes have seen increased coordination and agility. Also, the activity not only strengthens arms, but is an intense cardio workout for the entire body. Over time, women and men saw changes in their muscle tone.
It also appears to put your mind at ease. Boxing is known to provide emotional balance and inner strength to those who do the workouts regularly.
What’s better than getting a mental boost and throwing punches to channel your inner frustration?
Spinning
Celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Kelly Ripa swear by this stationary exercise, but don’t worry – this one isn’t just for the ladies. Whether you are male or female, this workout will have you sweating bullets.
Spinning bikes are specially constructed to focus on endurance, strength, posture and recovery to get you desired results. A good 30-minute workout can burn up to 500 calories, and you will feel that in your legs and your glutes.
What I like about this exercise is that it’s ideal for anyone who can’t handle the high impact of running. Spinning is easier on your knees and feet, and you can still get a good workout in with the low impact. This is definitely my new favorite cardio workout.
Jumping on a Trampoline
At one time or another, everyone has jumped on a trampoline for fun. But have you ever done it purely for a workout?
There are definitely physical benefits of bouncing.
Think about it; your heartbeat will speed up after jumping on a trampoline for only a few minutes. All of your muscles experience the workout, from your calves to your stomach.
And while you’re having a ball, you’re burning fat and adding muscle.
You don’t even have to do flips. 20-30 minutes of bouncing a few times a week will improve your flexibility and balance.
No, there’s not a trampoline at Ping Center. But come summertime, take advantage of this intense, hidden workout.
Kaitlyn Richert is a sophomore studying journalism and information graphics and is a columnist for The Post. Email her your favorite workouts at kr257109@ohiou.edu.
