Motivation Monday - Cardio

It's another Motivation Monday! Come link-up with us and hop around to view other's ideas.

This week's top is "Favorite Cardio". I've been looking forward to this topic because it's one that I feel finally applies to me. However, some unexpected family things last night took over my planned post writing time. So, last minute post for the win!

I love all things fitness. I can't choose just one...

 Lift all the weights! Running is the best! HIIT is a love/hate relationship. Circuit training is awesome for fat blasting and long term calorie burn. I could go on and on. My favorite type of cardio (or any workout for that matter) changes daily. Sometimes several times a day. It just depends on my mood. 

If I lived in a warmer climate, where I could be outdoors year round, this answer would be ridiculously simple: Hiking.

The above photos are from an overnight backpacking trip we took this past summer. We were around 12,000 -14,000 feet altitude. Hiking uphill, over boulders and creeks. It was roughly 3 miles in and 3 miles out with a 30+ pound pack on your back. It.was.awesome! I love the mountains. I love the peacefulness. And I love that it's an amazing workout that is completely enjoyable, yet challenge. 

I love having all this in my backyard, but it is Wyoming. Meaning, we are stuck indoors nearly 6 months a year and roads to these beautiful sights are closed down until the snow melts. So, until we can get back up there again - I have to improvise.

Runs are few and far between right now due to minimal day light, frigid temps and frozen sidewalks and streets. HIIT (high intensity interval training) has been my best friend throughout the winter. It's short and incredibly effective. Perfect for a busy day. 

I've put together a couple HIIT in the past few months using some of my favorite moves. There are great, free interval training timer apps out there. 

 

Give it a shot and let me know how it goes if you do!