Are you someone who avoids cardio like the plague? That’s understandable, but there are important reasons why you should rethink this position.
Studies show that cardio burns more calories per workout session than weight training. It’s also vital for building stronger hearts and lungs. Physical therapists can be a lot of help if you hate cardio but want to get it back into your daily routine. They can treat your injuries that are making cardio tougher, and they can even offer tips on how to have fun doing cardio. Here are three tips that can help even cardio haters enjoy their cardio sessions:
- Try a cardio class
When you think of cardio, you’re probably thinking about jogging outside. Or you might be thinking about putting in endless miles on the treadmill. But there are plenty of ways that cardio can be more fun, and a cardio class is one of them.
Any activity that gets your heart pumping can be a good cardio workout. Additionally, taking a cardio class is something that you can do with friends or family, which can make it more enjoyable. Some of the cardio class options you could try are:
- Kickboxing
- Hot yoga
- Zumba
- Cycling
- Try hobbies that get your heart pumping
Another fun way to get more cardio into your life is to try a hobby that gets you moving. Always wanted to try rugby? Do it! Sports and other hobbies can get your blood moving and help you enjoy getting in your cardio. A few hobbies that fall into this category are:
- Swimming
- Biking
- Hiking
- Mountain climbing
- Dancing
What all the activities listed above have in common is that they’re fun, and one of them may be something you already love to do in your spare time. These activities get your heart rate up and allow you to get the cardio you need, but they’re not repetitive or boring.
- Keep yourself engaged with tracking apps
Having fun with your cardio means you have to stay engaged. This can be challenging for some people, but there are now apps that can help you stay committed during your workout. There are a number of apps that are designed to track your progress in a variety of cardio exercises. From tracking your number of steps each day to monitoring your heart rate, having an app can help you stay interested and accountable.
You can even try one of the gaming apps that reward you for walking, biking or running. You might not even realize how much cardio you’re doing because you’re too busy keeping up with what’s going on in the game world. A few of the gaming apps that can help you get in some fun cardio include:
Find help with getting back into cardio at Panther Physical Therapy
Are you looking for ways to have more fun with your cardio? Our Panther Physical Therapy team is ready to help make your cardio sessions more enjoyable. We offer free screenings that can pinpoint issues that are making cardio hard or painful for you. Our specialists can also create a personalized physical therapy plan for you that can reduce pain and improve your ability to move.
Can’t make it to one of our clinics for therapy? That’s OK! Our team offers several therapy services that you can use right from home, including at-home care and virtual therapy sessions. Even better, you can begin using our therapy services without a referral from your doctor.
Contact our team today for more information about our physical therapy services or to schedule your initial appointment.