I ask all of my clients to get in at least 90 minutes of cardio a week, and my definition starts off pretty lenient. But, actual cardio should feel pretty tough for at least part of your workout…which means we have to make time for workouts that are tougher than a neighborhood ramble sometimes. Here are my proven strategies to make that happen:
1. Get it done in the morning
If you can get up 20 minutes earlier for an easier cardio session (a brisk walk, a video-based aerobic workout, moving some kettlebells around), you’ll know that you got it done for the day. You can choose a no-impact option so you don’t even have to get into workout gear!
2. Do it right after work
Change into your workout clothes before you leave the office or, depending on where you work, stay at the office and go for a run or walk near your workplace, then head home after. The key prep for this is to have a snack about an hour before you leave work (and, remember, I don’t mean a piece of candy or a 100-cal pack of nuts – when I talk about snacks, I mean a balanced meal or mini-meal) so that you have energy. If you don’t want to run or walk, there are plenty of exercise classes to drop into on your way home from work, too!
3. Make it a fun part of your weekend
Get in a longer cardio workout by finding something fun and active to do on your weekend. Plan a long walk, bike ride, or hike somewhere pretty, maybe even with a friend or two, or book a fun class. You’ll get an hour of cardio on the books and get some bonus emotional self-care by enjoying your time. (This is a huge part of the reason I teach Zumba early on the weekends – it gives you a fun way to get some endorphins and shake off the week, but still have time to enjoy the rest of your day!)
4. Do it on Monday
Start your week with at least 10 minutes of cardio so you don’t end up tangled in a procrastination snowball. If you start your week with a 10 minute brisk walk after work or after dinner, take just one hour-long cardio class over the weekend, and do one 20-minute home cardio workout before work on Wednesday, you’ll hit your 90-minute goal for the week without much effort!
Maybe I’ll see ya for one of these hours of cardio…..xo
- NEW TIME: Wednesday 6:30pm Zumba at Jerabeck Athletic Center (free; second floor dance studio, street parking)
- Saturday 9:30am Zumba at Montrose Collective (free, meets at 888 Westheimer, street/garage parking, and make sure to use your Zumba discount at the Plant Project!)
- Sunday 9am Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside)
- Monday 6:30pm Zumba (free, meets at Levy Park – 3801 Eastside)
