Something many bodybuilders hate to do is cardio workouts. They’re long, dreadful, and the time seems to go extra slow when they need to be done. However, Jimmy Mentis has been preaching the importance of cardio workouts for years and wants you to understand that not only are you doing cardio to keep your body fat levels and weight in check, but you are also using it as a means to help keep your heart healthy.
In this article, we are going to look at seven ways you can make the most out of your cardio workouts and help make the time go by faster while also getting an added value from it — essentially killing two birds with one stone.
Let’s dive into it!
1. Listen to an Audiobook
One of the best ways to get through cardio workouts is by listening to an audiobook. Now, don’t get caught up in some fantasy novel. I want you to leverage your time during cardio workouts to learn something.
Pick an audiobook that improves your skills or helps you learn something new that you can apply to your life, business, or career. Look to always enhance your life. You’re doing cardio workouts to look better, feel better, and live a long life, right? So, why not use the time to further expand your mind and skillset?
2. Listen to a Podcast
Just like what was said above, listen to a podcast that deals with an aspect of your life that you can learn from when doing cardio workouts. Whether it be a podcast on health, nutrition, relationships, business, etc., find an area you want to improve upon and listen to the podcast.
3. Listen to Something Motivational
People flock to Tony Robbins, Gary Vaynerchuk, Jim Rohn, Eric Thomas, David Goggins, Andy Frisella, and many others. Find a personality that speaks to you and you resonate with. You don’t even need to like the person, but rather listen to something motivational that gets you pumped up and draws you in.
If you do cardio workouts in the morning, listening to something motivational is a great way to get yourself set for the day and in the right mindset. I highly recommend you give it a try.
4. Catch Up on Netflix
I’m not a big television guy, in fact, I watch less than an hour of it a week. But you can use your time during cardio workouts to catch up on your shows. It doesn’t necessarily need to be Netflix, but if you like a show that has multiple episodes, catch up on them when doing cardio workouts rather than doing the old “Netflix and Chill” on the couch all night. Be productive.
If you don’t have Netflix, maybe there are YouTubers you want to subscribe to that you can learn from? Personally, that’s precisely what I do with my time. If I’m not listening to an audiobook, I’m catching up on information from YouTubers I follow in the industries I’m into. I gather as much information as possible during these times, allowing me to be more productive during the day.
5. Talk to a Friend or Family Member
Have you not talked to a friend or family member for a long time? Maybe you want to check in with them, see how things are going, and strike up a conversation? Cardio workouts are a great time to pick up the phone and talk to someone. We often forget how important it is to actually speak with someone versus just sending a quick text with an emoji.
Call someone up, tell them you miss them, ask how they are and what they’ve been up to, and tell them how much you appreciate them. These types of calls during your cardio workouts will not only do you a whole lot of good but also the person you call to catch up with.
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6. Do Cardio Workouts with Your Dog
Your furry little friend needs exercise too. Why do it alone and then try to find time later in the day to take your best bud for a walk? Do it together!
Whether you wake up early to do cardio or do it in the evening when the temperatures fall, heading out with your dog for cardio workouts is not only good for your heart health but also your dog’s as well. Spending time with your dog is special, and as much as you like having your dog next to you when doing cardio workouts, it loves having you next to him or her as well.
7. Do Cardio on the Way to Work or the Gym
If you don’t live far from work or the gym, do your cardio on the way there and on the way back. Perhaps you can hop on your bike and ride to work or the gym. This is a great way to get your heart rate up, save on fuel costs, and maximize your time by fitting in your cardio workouts around your daily life.
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Clearly, if you work an hour from your home or the gym is nowhere close to where you live, this may not be ideal. Therefore, you may need to implement some of the other strategies for your cardio workouts that are mentioned above.
Author Bio:
Matt Weik, owner of Weik Fitness, LLC, is a well-respected fitness expert/author with a global following. His work has been featured all over the globe as well as having published more than a dozen books. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist. Find out more at www.weikfitness.com.