Cardio circuits serve as a great tool for weight loss and general fitness. Many moms resolve to get fit and live a healthier lifestyle. We decide we will eat healthier and exercise more. Finding the time and resources to exercise is a difficult task, though. Kids, work responsibilities, errands, and other tasks make huge demands on our time. Unfortunately, we tend to put ourselves last on the list, neglecting our personal needs. Exercise often falls to the wayside.
Money is another excuse many moms use when listing reasons they don’t exercise. I often hear from my clients that they just don’t have the time or money to make it to a gym. Join the club, I reply. We need to acknowledge the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and start setting a better example for our children.
Overcoming Excuses Against Regular Exercise
A horrifying report from the US Department of Health and Human Services explained that the US is facing a major drop in life expectancy. Did you get that? Our generation may live longer than our children’s generation. Obesity, diabetes, horrible dietary practices, and lack of exercise are the major culprits. What kind of life are we exemplifying for our children?
Exercising requires no equipment. A gym membership isn’t required and you need nothing special. Working out at home allows you to fit exercise into your schedule when it suits you. Cardio circuits are a convenient way to lose weight and build lean muscle. They require no equipment, and can be tailored to suit your fitness level.
Body weight training uses only your body and gravity for resistance. It can be done anywhere with no preparation, making it a great choice for busy moms. Fit your workout in during nap time, as dinner is cooking, or before the kids wake up. I usually have one of my children working out with me. It motivates both of us and gives us some special, productive time together.
To create a personalized body weight cardio circuit, select six to ten exercises that work various parts of the body. Perform them back-to-back, with little rest. This will get your aerobic system working, as well as your anaerobic system. In other words, you’ll be burning fat while building metabolism-friendly muscle.
Here are a couple of examples of cardio circuits that my clients and kids really enjoy:
Cardio Circuit 1
Perform the following exercises for one minute each:
- Jump rope (with or without a rope)
- Squats
- Boxing combo (series of punches, kicks, and knees)
- Pushups
- Jogging around the house
- Double crunches
Rest for one minute, then repeat the cardio circuit two or three times.
Cardio Circuit 2
- Walking lunges
- Burpees
- Planks
- Plyometric jumps
- Mountain Climbers
- Box jumps (jump on stairs if a secure box isn’t available)
Perform 10 to 20 repetitions of the above exercises. Beginners should do two rounds, advanced exercises can try four or five.
If you’re unfamiliar with any of the exercises above, there are widely available explanations and demonstrations online.
There really aren’t any excuses for not taking health seriously. I firmly believe everyone should be shooting for their potential. If you need some motivation, try Body Mojo or Peak Potential. Cardio circuits are a great way to get started and help you make fitness a priority.
Resources: US Department of Health and Human Services
