My Default Cardio Workout

Some people say that you should change your conditioning workouts on a weekly or even daily basis; “you have to shock your body” they say. I believe that there is some truth to this, but I also think it is important to have a routine, or a constant workout that you do repeatedly.

Let’s talk about my default cardio workout. To do this workout I run a trail over gently rolling hills near my house. Close to the end of the trail is a park where I usually stop and do two sets of pullups. After the park I have 5 more minutes of running uphill and then I’m headed for the shower. All in all it takes me about 25 or 30 minutes to complete the run, and I usually do it once or twice in an eight day cycle.

Do I think that one should vary one’s conditioning routine? Absolutely! Do I believe that sprint work is important? Yes, especially close to competition! So why do I do this same workout again and again? Here are some of my reasons:

1. By doing the same workout periodically I have an objective measure of fitness: if it takes me over 30 minutes then I am either out of shape, tired, or getting sick.
2. It maintains my aerobic fitness, which is the base for your anaerobic fitness (see one of my early articles www.grapplearts.com/Martial-Arts-Cardio.htm for background information on aerobic and anaerobic fitness)
3. It conditions my body for more intense training, such as stair running or intervals
4. I don’t have to think or plan this workout: I just go do it.
5. If I am not feeling energetic I can do this run slowly and still achieve some base aerobic conditioning.
6. I enjoy it: running a trail through the forest is quite relaxing

Until next week…

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