5 Bodyweight Moves That Double as a Cardio Workout
Get your heart rate up and strengthen your muscles simultaneously!
Bodyweight moves are a great way to quickly break a sweat, target multiple muscles and get a cardio workout in – all without leaving your living room. Here are 5 effective bodyweight moves that are sure to get your heart rate up and provide a seamless and efficient transition between strength and cardio.
High Knees
High Knees are a great cardio exercise that can be done anywhere with little to no equipment. To perform High Knees, stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides, and raise your right knee up (bringing it towards your chest). Alternate sides, bringing each knee up to a level that is above your hips. As you do this, pump your arms for an extra calorie-burning boost.
Mountain Climbers
Mountain Climbers are another great bodyweight move that works your core as well as other muscle groups. To perform Mountain Climbers, start in a high plank position with your hands on the floor directly underneath your shoulders and your feet together. Then, alternate bringing each knee towards your chest. As you do this, engage your core to keep your hips low, and alternate sides.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks are a classic and effective bodyweight move for getting your heart rate up. To perform Jumping Jacks, stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart, and your arms at your sides. Then, jump up, raising your arms and legs out to the sides and splaying your feet outward. As you land, bring your arms and legs back to the starting position.
Burpees
Burpees are an intense bodyweight move that works your entire body as well as your cardiovascular system. To perform Burpees, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart, then drop into a squat position, placing your hands on the ground directly in front of you. Then, jump your feet back into a high plank position. From here, jump your feet back towards your hands, then stand back up and jump in the air with your hands up.
Squat Jumps
Squat Jumps are another effective bodyweight move that doubles as a cardio workout. To perform Squat Jumps, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then drop your hips back and down, into a deep squat. From here, jump up, bringing your feet off the ground, then land softly on your feet in the squat position.
By incorporating these bodyweight moves into your workout routine, you can get a great cardio and strength training session in – all without leaving your house. So next time you’re looking for a quick and effective workout, try out these 5 bodyweight moves that double as a cardio workout!