I have to be honest – cardio is not exactly my favorite part of training. But as we all know if you want to lose body fat, have a healthy heart and stay lean, ya gotta get it done!
Here are a few more of my challenging cardio workouts for you to try. I included a combination of HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts (which are to be performed at 100% maximum intensity if done correctly), interval training and a fun cardio circuit to break up the monotony that traditional cardio machines can cause.
Remember, cardio doesn’t have to always be boring- lets kick up the intensity and burn some fat! Let me know what you think 🙂
***If you need to adjust the speed or intensity, feel free, but make sure you push yourself. It shouldn’t be a walk in the park.
WORKOUT 1: Uphill Treadmill Sprints
• 2 minutes at 3 mph at 0% incline
• 2 minutes at 8mph at 0% incline
• 1 minute at 3 mph at 0% incline
• 45 seconds at 8 mph at 4% incline
• 1 minute at 2 mph at 0% incline
• 45 seconds at 9 mph at 6% incline
• 90 seconds at 2 mph at 0% incline
• 45 seconds at 10 mph at 8% incline
• 90 seconds at 2 mph at 0% incline
• 45 seconds at 9 mph at 6% incline
• 90 seconds at 2 mph at 0% incline
• 45 seconds at 10 mph at 4% incline
• 3 minutes at 3 mph at 0% incline
TOTAL TIME: 18 minutes
WORKOUT 2: KRAZY KARDIO
*Repeat the below circuit 3 times
• 1 minute jump rope
• 1 minute high knees
• 1 minute butt kicks
• 1 minute jumping jacks
• 20 burpees
• 5 minute treadmill run, spin bike or Stairmaster
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
WORKOUT 3: Anywhere Cardio
*Repeat the below circuit 3 times
• 50 jumping jacks
• 10 jump squats
• 30 speed skaters (side to side hops as far as possible landing on one foot)
• 30 second high knees
• 1 minute jog in place
• 10 alternating lunges each leg (20 total)
• 10 burpees
• 50 mountain climbers
• 10 pushups
• 50 crunches
• 1 minute butt kicks
TOTAL TIME: Varies
WORKOUT 3: Max Level Stair Intervals
*Repeat the below circuit 10 times. Perform the cooldown at the end of the workout
• 5 minutes Level 8 (warmup)
• 60 seconds Level 15
• 30 seconds Level 10
• 5 minutes Level 6 (cooldown)
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
Hell yes! going to try some of these this week! 🙂 🙂 thank you Nicole!
Log in to replyOMG..workout 3!!! OUCH!!
Log in to replyAwesome Nicole
I’m enthusiastic about hitting the weights, but rarely ever enthusiastic about cardio. Having creative and varied options definitely help though. Thank you, Nicole.
Log in to replyThank you!!!!!
Log in to replythanks
Log in to replyHow do u avoid over training? I’ve been feeling symptoms of that for a couple of weeks now and so I’ve taken a break from running until Thursday. I must admit I feel miserable not going out for a run.
Log in to replyIf you are feeling that way, take a day or a few days from the gym and then resume. Make sure you are sleeping well, staying hydrated and eating properly
Log in to replyThanks for the advice
Log in to replyCHALLENGING AND FUN~THANK YOU!
Log in to replyoh, I wish I could jump robe or just jumping period, without peeing on myself.. The struggle in getting old sucks.. lol.. See what you have to look forward too when you’re in your 40s.. lol.. sorry, but not sorry!! hahaha…
Log in to replyYou know I love workout hard and I run weekly but can I really run on 10 mph? Gaaa I’ve never tried over 8 mph for longer than 30 seconds. I’m kind of skerrrrd to try it.
Log in to replyThe other 3 sound amazeballs! I will add them in for sure….the 10 mph…I will try and work my way up to… ((skerrdy cat))
Thanks again for some great variations!
ok – so i agree with Renae – number 3….. holy wow. 50 x crunches actually hurt!? i did 3 rounds in 27mins 17 secs. is that too slow or ok?
Log in to replyHi Nicole
I got a question about Bulk Cut Cycle Length
How many weeks should you cut or bulk? I’m confused as to how low and high I should go.
I am 59kg and 165cm, right now at 22% bodyfat.
1. Can you clarify how many weeks a person should be cutting?
and also how much weight do you suggest a person should gain on bulking phase?
2. How much should we gain or lose each week?
3.Is there a danger in reducing body fat over +6 month in my % or maybe muscle mass loss?
Thank you 🙂
Log in to replyDo you do each of these in one workout? Or are these designed for separate days?
Log in to replyWooosh! Overcame a fear today. Did workout #1 and ran on the treadmill for the first time. No incline though. I’ll get there:
Log in to replyFor max level stair intervals, do you only do the warm up one time in the very beginning? or do you repeat it 10 times as well?
Log in to replyDo the warmup only in the beginning
Log in to replyI loved the uphill sprints although I couldn’t go as fast as written.
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