Yes, even though we are Social Distancing we can cardio!

I don’t know about you but I abhor cardio with a passion. Loath entirely. HATE IT!

But, it’s great for getting the heart rate up, pumping the heart, and burning those calories. (Strength training is great too! I just don’t have a million machines at home.)

So, while I have my Stationary Bike at home, I’m also starting to jog/run/crawl again.

If you don’t run consistently or at all, don’t expect to get off the couch and start running marathons at 10 minutes a mile. It is not happening.

You have to start slow. Which is what I’m doing.

***DISCLAIMER***

Before starting any new workout routine be sure to consult with your primary care physician first. I’m not a doctor, a nutritionist, personal trainer or any of that. I’m your average, overweight Jane doing what works for me. If you have a health condition or anything at all…call your PCP first!!!

I’ve started with a quick 20-30 minute brisk jog. So far my lungs feel like exploding 5 minutes into it. I’m WAY out of shape even though I’m at the gym 5 days a week. Oi.

I’m starting to add in short sprints. Not long. I do about 30-40 second sprints every 5-6 minutes. Nothing insane. Just enough to get a sweat started and my heart really going.

As I get more and more used to my short bursts I’ll keep increasing those bursts until the entire jog is actually a run. How long will that take? I’m sure the quarantine/social distancing will be long gone by time I’m at that pace.

Will that work for you? Who knows. You have to find what’s right for you. Perhaps running will never be your thing. That doesn’t mean you should just sit around and wait. Nah, get up and move around. Even if it’s a walk around the block. Or just your stationary bike.

A body in motion stays in motion.

I’ve even started getting the kids to go with me. Yay kids.

What about equipment?

Are you mobile?

Do you have running shoes?

Then that’s all you need. No weight equipment necessary.

I have these nifty and awesome shoes. They are SO comfortable. BUT the suck in the rain. Those lovely holes that allow air to move through also allow water in.

But I hurt!

If it’s unbearable you can’t walk pain, yeah call your doctor.

If it’s uncomfortable oh my legs ache pain…they’re going to ache. Especially if you don’t normally walk/jog/run.

So get up and get moving!