The Cardio Paradox

Unless you're an endurance runner or a cardio queen--to each their own--for most of us the cardio paradox is real. We dread it and put it off, thinking about the pain and the sweat until reluctantly, we book it to Zumba before we can change our minds...again. The first 10 minutes is always the worst, but then we remember just why we do it!

Don't get me wrong, cardio is fun! It can be strength as well as a cardiovascular workout. It can also be a social event! But why the associated angst?! I had to learn to love to run. In elementary school, I was almost always one of the first to drop out of the pacer test or walk across the soccer field behind the rest of my team. Running felt like slow death. This was due to the fact that I didn't discover my own athleticism until my 20's, (cue the nice self-talk). In my early, impressionable years I had to fake it and pretend I wasn't having a heart attack to avoid further embarrassment. Harry Potter books and arts and crafts were more my thing; I was not the sporty lady I am today. So yes, I think that a lot of us have lizard-brain association anxiety! Our amygdalas associate a working heart rate with survival...and gym class memories. But, what I'm trying to get at here are the positives. Even though cardio activities are sometimes anticipated with much apprehension, the experience and rewards are so much greater when we get out of our heads, and just get moving!

Need a reason to lace 'em up? Here are my top 10 suggestions! 1. Book a buddy workout! Pushing through a spin class is much more fun when you have a friend to share gasping, mid-hill smiles with! 2. Be effective. The benefits of high intensity interval training for just 20 minutes of your day are comparable in calorie burn to about double that of steady-state cardio. Do your sprints! 3. Lift weights faster. Pressed for time? Go harder! Plus, I'm a firm believer that your best bet for body composition change and increased calorie burn at REST is by building lean muscle. Muscle burns more energy (fat) while you're going about your day. Build more! 4. GO OUTSIDE! Double duty! Do yourself a favor and get some Vitamin D and fresh air for cripes sake. 5. Do sprints to your favorite coffee shop or brunch place! RUNCH time. 6. Make it a meditation. Go gear free. Ditch the apps, the heart rate band, the run tracker, your beats. Instead, focus on your heart beat, your breath, the fresh breeze on your face and outdoor smells. Be in the moment instead of strapping on the distractions. 7. Just because running wasn't fun for you in the past, doesn't mean it can't be now. Think about how strong you'll feel when you're done and how well you'll sleep tonight. Your workout is only what you make it ;). 8. Challenge yourself and design a cardio workout you can do at home for 20-30 minutes. Think stairs, jumping jacks and push-ups! 9. Make your cardio workout an appointment with yourself that you never miss. An appointment that is going to earn you a lean bod, a sweaty detox, and the ability to outrun zombies! 10. Pump UP the jams. Pretend you're starring in your own parkour video game or music video! Yes. I do this. GO!

Yours in Health and Fitness,

Coach Elle

Elle WhiteJuly 14, 20161 Comment

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