The Many Benefits of Outdoor Cardio Training

There are many benefits of performing your cardio work outdoors. The pleasant weather, fresh air, numerous exercise options, and exhilarating scenery to name a few. Cardio is the perfect complement for weight training. Sort of like a ying and yang. Two very different ways of training, almost opposite by nature, but both contribute the whole health of the person.

I always look forward to the “adventure” of outdoor cardio especially bike riding. You never know where the wind will take you that particular day. To experience all of the sensations of a bike ride really has its benefits when compared to weight training which is often done in the same environment day in and day out. That is why it is so important to break up your weight training routine with other fitness activities. The uniformity of it can lead to staleness and result in lack of progress. So keep your fitness attitude fresh with a well-rounded routine of weight training and cardio. Have a great summer and make sure you take advantage of all the outdoor exercise possibilities!

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Lunges are a Great Exercise for Overall Leg Shape and Development

Next to squats, lunges are the next best thing for your butt and thighs. Lunges are also a compound movement like squats. So when you do them you get more of a complete anaerobic workout for your entire body. There are a few different ways to perform lunges. There are static lunges which you do while holding dumbbells at your side or a barbell across your back and lunge forward alternating legs. You would start with your feet together and then step forward into the lunge, then back to starting position (front lunges). Another popular way to perform this exercise would be to do reverse lunges. You would also start with feet together and then you step back (instead of forward) one leg at a time into a lunge position and then back to starting position.

A third way is to do moving lunges. You would perform these outdoors or in a gym that has ample room. With this version you would keep moving forward with the lunge and not go back to the static position. This is a more advanced version of the exercise since you would keep constant tension on your glutes, quads and hams for a deep burn.

Visit Unique Fitness Concepts for more training advise, tips, and equipment.