Cardio workouts that won't leave you bored

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: JACOB AMMENTORP LUND / THINKSTOCK
Stop doing the same tired workout routines and avoid cardio boredom.

Press quick start and go. Go until time is up or you’ve had enough. Does this sound like your usual cardio workout? Are you still using the same boring machine?

Many people stop going to the gym all together because they forget how fun it can be and how it can challenge both the body and the mind. Personally, I prefer to participate in a class because there’s always something different about it. However, I do like a good cardio workout on a machine sometimes to be alone with my thoughts or go side by side with a friend and catch up on our social time.

There are so many different ways to avoid boredom on cardio machines so if you can think beyond this list or ask a trainer for help, go for it. All workouts start with three to five minutes of warm up by gradually gaining speed and resistance and to literally get warm. Here are some of the workouts I do most often:

1. Speed Intervals: start with two minutes at normal pace, or a six on a scale of one to 10, with 10 as top speed. Then go for a nine or 10 for 30 seconds. Over several workouts, decrease the normal time to 30 seconds and the top speed to two minutes by subtracting and adding 10 to 20 seconds to the interval every couple workouts. For example, at some point normal speed will be for one minute and top speed for one minute 30 seconds.

2. Resistance intervals: this is basically the same as the speed intervals for timing, but instead find a resistance that feels at about a level five and then work to a level nine or 10.

3. Climb: choose a total time to work and work at reaching a resistance peak at about three quarters of the way through. For example, peak at 25 minutes for a 30-minute workout, then work like you are speeding down the hill for the last bit.

4. Hills: similar to the climb, but instead of reaching one peak, you reach several small peaks throughout.

5. Cardio hopping: no, not hopping literally. With this one you go from one machine to the next for about five minutes each until you’ve reached desired time. Leave your favourite one until the end.

6. Circuit: mix your weight training in with your cardio. One way to do this is to do a set on a cardio machine for two to five minutes followed by a couple sets of upper body weights and one set for the lower body. Go harder on the cardio for short duration and just at medium if going for four to five minutes.

Don’t forget to stretch at the end of the workout to relax your muscles and allow them to work more efficiently next time.