The Best 5 Ways to Spice Up Your Summer Cardio Routine: Embrace the Heat and Reap the Benefits!

Summer is right around the corner, and it's the perfect time to inject some excitement into your cardio routine! Cardiovascular exercise not only helps you shed calories and boost your fitness level but also offers a plethora of benefits for your overall health and well-being. So, let's explore the best five fun ways to jazz up your summer cardio routine while reaping the amazing benefits that cardio has to offer!

Key Takeaways:

1. Variety is key: Keep your cardio routine fresh and exciting by incorporating a mix of outdoor activities like running, swimming, cycling, and dance workouts.

2. Embrace the outdoors: Take advantage of the warm weather by taking your workouts outside and exploring new routes, trails, and natural surroundings.

3. Interval training rocks: Incorporate interval training into your workouts to maximize calorie burn, improve cardiovascular fitness, and boost athletic performance.

4. Low-impact options: If you're looking for low-impact options, swimming and cycling provide excellent full-body workouts while being gentle on the joints.

5. Have fun: Don't forget to have fun and enjoy the process! Whether you're dancing to your favorite tunes or cycling through scenic landscapes, find activities that bring you joy and keep you motivated to stay active all summer long.

Hitting the Pavement: Outdoor Running and Hiking

1. Explore New Routes and Trails

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." – Lao Tzu

It’s time to step off the treadmill and mix things up with outdoor cardio! Just about everywhere in the country has access to great local parks and trails! Running, jogging, walking or hiking outdoors is not only a great way to soak up some sunshine but also provides a host of physical and mental benefits. From improving cardiovascular health and endurance to boosting mood and reducing stress, outdoor running allows you to connect with nature while reaping the rewards of exercise.

2. Incorporate Interval Training

Interval training, which alternates between periods of high-intensity effort and recovery, is a highly effective way to torch calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, and enhance athletic performance. By pushing your body to its limits and then allowing it to recover, interval training maximizes calorie burn and boosts metabolism, both during and after your workout.

One example of interval training is sprint intervals, where you alternate between short bursts of maximum effort sprinting and periods of active recovery, such as walking or jogging. Another example is Tabata training, which consists of 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for a total of four minutes. To read more in depth about Interval Training, check out this article here.

Making Waves: Water-Based Cardio Workouts

3. Dive into Swimming

"The water is your friend. You don't have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move." – Aleksandr Popov

This is my personal favorite! I live on the ocean in California and I am always getting into the ocean to swim and/or body surf. Swimming is a fantastic low-impact cardio workout that provides a full-body workout while being gentle on the joints. As we get older, low-impact cardio is key to mix into your workout! Whether you're doing laps in the pool or swimming in the open water, swimming strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and enhances cardiovascular health. Plus, the buoyancy of the water reduces the risk of injury and allows for greater range of motion. (just watch out for sharks!)

Taking Flight: Outdoor Cycling Adventures

4. Hit the Trails on Your Bike

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." – Albert Einstein

Another favorite of mine. There’s nothing like loading up a boss spotify playlist and biking down the Hermosa Beach strand on a hot summer afternoon. Cycling is not only a fun and exhilarating way to explore your surroundings but also offers numerous health benefits. From improving cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength to promoting weight loss and reducing stress, cycling is a highly effective form of cardio exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.

Dancing to the Beat: Fun and Energetic Cardio Classes

5. Shake It Up with Dance Workouts

I have white man’s rhythm, so dancing is not my forte. However, dance workouts are not only a great way to keep things fun and interesting (so i've seen on instagram), but also offer a wide range of physical and mental benefits. From improving cardiovascular health and endurance to boosting mood and enhancing coordination, dance workouts provide a fun and engaging way to get your heart pumping and your body moving. Plus, they're a great way to express yourself creatively and let loose while breaking a sweat. And heck, you never know who you're going to meet! Check your local gyms to get involved. (I know 24 Hour fitness has dance classes)

Conclusion: Embrace the Summer Vibes and Reap the Rewards of Cardio!

Summer is the perfect time to shake up your cardio routine and experience the amazing benefits that cardiovascular exercise has to offer. Whether you're running or hiking through scenic trails, swimming laps in the pool, cycling on the beach, or dancing to the beat of your favorite tunes, there's no shortage of fun and exciting ways to get your heart pumping and your body moving this summer. So, embrace the heat, soak up the sunshine, and reap the rewards of cardio while enjoying the great outdoors. Be sure to sign up for my email list for more!

-Austin