Do you feel the need to get in shape before you hit the gym?
When it comes to the gym, many people have mixed feelings. The gym has long been thought of as a place where only in-shape, physically fit people go, to get more in-shape and physically fit. This actually goes against the whole point of the gym, which is to help people reach their fitness goals, no matter how far away they may seem.
For the past year we have been in a pandemic however, so I can understand the need to ease back into the gym, and to work out a bit at home first to get your body back in fighting shape.
If you are one of those people who want to start slow at home, and then transition to the gym, here are five ways to get some good cardio from the comfort of your own home.
Jumping Jacks- Jumping jacks are easy because they don’t require any apparatus and you can do them anywhere. Just keep in mind that they are high impact, so you shouldn’t do them if you have knee problems, and make sure you wear good shoes. The best way to implement jumping jacks is to do them for 30-60 seconds, and alternate with the other cardio workouts on this list.
Burpees- Burpees are annoying, but they are really effective. You can burn up to 100 calories in 10 minutes, however they are also high impact, so wear good shoes and use an exercise mat. Work them into a cardio circuit with jumping jacks, and don’t be upset if you can’t finish, Burpees are hard.
READ MORE: Fitness Tips: The Importance of Calf Stretching
Squat Jumps- A squat jump is exactly what it sounds like. Squat, then jump out of the squat, and land in another squat. Make sure you keep your balance on the heels of your feet, and wear good shoes.
Jogging in Place- Jogging in place is a great warmup, and it’s easier than some of the other exercises on this list, so you can use it in between other exercises to keep your heart rate up.
Jump Rope- Jumping rope requires both an actual rope, and enough space to exercise, but it is incredibly effective and can burn 220 calories in 20 minutes.
If you add all these exercises together, and do them in a circuit of 30-60 minutes each, it will give you a good cardio workout to prepare you for your imminent return to the gym.