Cardio exercise is something I have always had a love/hate relationship with. On the one hand, I love how it changes my body composition in a short number of weeks. On the other hand, I hate the time and effort I need to put into it in order to have those body composition changes take place. At this point, cardio has become nothing more than a necessary evil.
When it comes to weight training I don't have to convince myself to do it. I love the feeling of pushing my muscles as hard as they can go. I enjoy the feeling of being sore after a particularly intense training session. It is something I would do twice a day if I could find the time for it.
Cardio is the exact opposite of weight training for me. I cannot stand the time it takes. I have tried many different things to make it go by faster and nothing really works for me. I may actually have to go back to streaming Netflix to my iPad in order to get the longer cardio sessions in.
I will be honest and say that cardio has been my weakness in the past. I have skipped more cardio sessions than I care to admit. Lately I have not had as tough a time with it because I am chanting the “regaining focus” mantra over and over again. I can't get my focus back without being consistent with cardio. It is just a fact.
Tips for Cardio Success
If you hate cardio like I do here are some suggestions for getting it to be a consistent part of your routine.
- Create a playlist of your favourite songs. Music makes most anything go by faster. It really does. I would never get through cardio sessions without some good music. Make sure you have several playlists–some that are upbeat, some that are loud and raucous and some that are just fun.
- Bring your iPad and stream your favourite shows. When I was getting ready to compete for the first time there came a time when I had to do cardio 2 times a day for more than 45 minutes each session. My iPad became a great tool for me. I would stream shows on Netflix and would get so into the storyline that I would forget I was doing cardio at all.
- Track your numbers. This will give you the ability to compete against yourself. It will help push you harder and harder.
It is now time for me to follow my own advice and take my cardio to a new level. Lean happens when you combine some great weight training sessions with some awesome cardio sessions. Onward towards the ultimate goal I go!
