Best Bodyweight Cardio Moves

If the thought of yet another treadmill session makes you groan, you might want to consider using some non-traditional (yet, old-school) methods of cardio to shake things up a notch and help you maintain some interest in your program.

I see far too many people adding cardio session after cardio session only to see little in the form of results. Not only that, but they suffer from overuse injuries, as well.

By turning to a few unconventional methods of cardio training (yet, very conventional for many of my Cutting Edge Personal Training clients), you can avoid this from happening and see even greater gains to your fitness level.

Let’s have a quick peek into some of the best body weight cardio methods that you should think about adding to your program.

Do these either in their own session, or add them into your current strength training program for an extra calorie burning boost.

Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are a basic, terrific exercise that will really stimulate the core muscles while also working the hip flexors and shoulders at the same time.

This exercise is going to be good for helping to improve your lower body control since you will only be moving your legs while keeping the upper body stationary. Furthermore, you’ll improve your lower body muscular endurance in the quads, glutes, as well as hamstrings as each of these muscles will be contracting as you perform the movement pattern.

Burpees

Next, we are going to take it up a notch and do burpees. This exercise has a very high strength component, so it works well for those who want to build some full body power.

The burpee itself is going to work all the muscles in the lower body. If you want an added boost, you can add a push-up movement in between each burpee you do and you’ll also stimulate the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps.

This makes it an ideal full body movement that will torch calories fast and improve your anaerobic endurance level.

Jumping Jacks

Finally, these are "old school." And some may feel ridiculous doing them. But jumping jacks are another good cardio based exercise that you can easily do anytime...anywhere.

When doing these, think of being light on your feet. You want to land each rep like a cat...not like an elephant. And it's best to stay on your toes throughout.

Just be sure you are on a good surface when performing these to prevent the development of knee or ankle pain.

So give these a try next time you need a change from your standard cardio workout program. Each will deliver you superior results that will help to get you in better shape quickly. And if you want to really do it Cutting Edge style, then try the following*:

• Burpees with a Push-up x 30 seconds, then immediately go into...
• Mountain Climbers x 30 seconds, then immediately go into...
• Jumping Jacks x 30 to 60 seconds
• Rest 1 minute
• Repeat the above circuit 4-6 more times