Cardio Tip #9 Measure Something Other Than Time

Because we are all some time focused, our cardiovascular exercise tends to be time-based. 20, 30, 45, or 60-minute time frames are all common. You may want to consider using either the mileage or calories burned measurements on your cardio machines for a change of pace. Rather than doing the bike for 30-minutes, cycle for 15 miles. Rather than doing the stairmaster for 20 minutes, climb 100 floors. Or, rather than doing the elliptical for 45 minutes, burn 500 calories (just remember the counters are notoriously inaccurate). Again, another way of making cardio sessions different. If none of those work for you--try doing your cardio for a certain number of songs on your normal play list--you've got the idea, try something other than time.