Let’s face it: You need to complete your cardio. It’s one of the most tedious parts of bodybuilding, but it’s very necessary not only for looking good on the beach and the bodybuilding stage, but for living a long life. People who complete at least ten minutes of cardio 4 times per week are, on the average, going to out-live their brethren who don’t exercise at all. A small amount of cardio is required for long-term health and vitality. While cardio is typically something we dislike greatly, there are ways to make it better using the great outdoors!
Swimming
Hitting the pool and completing 20 minutes of laps is a great way to get in your cardio. There are a few caveats to remember, however. First, you must work to maintain an elevated heart rate for the bulk of your 20-plus minutes of training. Doing a few laps, then casually chatting with the fairer sex will not qualify as adequate cardiovascular training. Next, you’ll want to make sure you are protected from the elements. This includes any water-borne illnesses, as well as sunlight. Use a waterproof sunscreen to ensure you don’t become sunburned (which can lead to skin cancer). Also you will want to keep taking your vitamins to keep your immune system high. You never know what is in the water. Try to swim in clean, chlorinated pools as opposed to sitting bodies of water where the purity cannot be ensured.
Tanning
If you don’t mind the potential embarrassment of completing your cardio wearing very little clothes, there is no reason why you cannot work on your tan and train at the same time. As long as your feet and waistline are covered, you can get that golden bronze you’ve been seeking while shedding the body fat.
Family
If you have young children, take them to an empty field, set your stopwatch, and just run in circles for 20 to 25 minutes. Your children will love it! Not only will they get to enjoy quality family time with the parents, but they will also get to enjoy cardio training as well. They’ll be able to keep up for the first few minutes, and then you’ll literally be running circles around them! This is great – they’ll sleep like babies on the way home, and you’ll have completed your cardio for the day while being a good parent. As long as your heart rate is elevated to the desired levels for 20+ minutes, you’re meeting your requirements!
New places
We all know how time flies when you’re in a new place and doing new things. Pull over at a new field, track, or gym, and complete your cardio training there. Chances are, your mind will be so busy soaking in the new visual stimuli that you won’t even notice the minutes passing by.
Bring a friend
Being able to chat – either in person or on a cell phone – is a great way to pass the time when you’re facing monotonous cardio training. Start chatting about your day, your job, or your love life, and the minutes and hours will just fly by!
Dane Fletcher is the world’s most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit http://www.BodybuildingToday.com, the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.
