We all know you can’t spot reduce and the best way to get the arms, legs and abs that you want is to follow a healthy diet, drink lots of water and burn calories! Yes, strength training will burn calories as well as get your metabolism rocking but you also need to get your heart rate up. There are many different ways of doing cardio and many different zones to train in. You can focus on longer slower cardio workouts such as hiking and walking or steady state, higher intensity exercises such as jogging, running, cycling and spin classes. Then there are high intensity intervals, which are good for those of us who are short on time or if you are looking for ways to up the intensity of your strength training workouts. Below are 5 easy exercises that promise to get your heart rate pumping and make you sweat! Do all of these exercises for 60 seconds and take a 15 second break between each one. Repeat this circuit as many times as you like, or combine the legs, arms and core circuits together, doing this cardio circuit in between each one. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it and push yourselves as hard as you can!
Mountain climbers
Start in a push-up position with a long, straight spine. Bring one knee into your chest without arching your back and then quickly switch feet, driving the other knee into your chest. Repeat this as slow or as fast as you like for 60 seconds.
Jumping lunges
This is a definite heart rate booster and leg burner. Begin with one leg forward, one leg back in a lunge position and then jump into the air as high as you can, landing in the same position as you started. Repeat for 60 seconds.
Skates
Start standing on one leg in a half squat position and then jump sideways off the standing leg, landing onto your other leg. Continue this for 60 seconds staying as low to the ground as you can. Your legs and butts should be on fire after this.
Jumping lunges set 2
Yes! You get to do another set of jumping lunges, but this time you will switch your feet so your other leg is forward.
Running high knees
This exercise looks easy but 15 seconds in I promise that your legs will be begging you to stop. Jog on the spot for 60 seconds, driving your knees as high as you can while you pump your arms by your side. Do not slow down until your 60 seconds is done!
