People often get confused when they see the training studio for the first time.
They see dumbbells and medicine balls. They see an aerobic step and stability ball. They see mirrors and mats. But it’s not what they see that confuses them. It’s what they don’t see.
Where are the machines?
Where is the treadmill?
I jokingly tell them, “We don’t need no stinkin’ machines”. Least of all a treadmill, I think to myself.
I hate treadmills. Okay, maybe hate is too strong of a word. Treadmills have their place for training runs when you can’t get outside. They are awesome for incline cardio intervals when you can’t run due to physical limitations or want a slow and steady leg shredding workout. Other than that, treadmills are often just boring to me.
Unfortunately most people don’t figure that out until they spend a lot of money to get a good one. They end up with an expensive clothing rack or one more thing taking up room in the garage.
Walking and running outside are much more entertaining, at least to me, than the treadmill. You’ve got fresh air, sunshine, rabbits, dogs and other runners/walkers to keep you entertained. The changes in terrain are good for you: mentally and physically. They keep your mind sharp and your body gets a nice challenge with changing inclines and surfaces.
When you can’t get outside, old school calisthenics and plyometric moves make a much more interesting workout. They are also great if you only have a few minutes to workout. You can go all out for 10 minutes of intense cardio (with a warm up and stretching) if time is short. Here is a great program you can do for a 10 minute cardio burst. Do one minute of each exercise.
- Light Jog
- Jumping Jacks
- High Knees
- Inchworms
- Light jog
- Butt Kicks
- Mountain Climbers
- Light jog
- Squat Thrusts (Burpees)
- Jumping Jacks
No boredom in that routine. If you’ve got more time you can rest and repeat. If it’s a nice day, you can take it outside too.
