Real cardio workouts are intense cardio workouts, period. Now there is nothing wrong with walking or jogging, but if you are wanting to speed up the progress of your overall conditioning and physical appearance then you have to dial up the intensity. This is why I have included 2 explosive and hard hitting cardio drills in this article for you to slam the door on the old treadmill cardio workouts. Read and apply!

Intense Cardio Drills!

1. Squat Jumps: One way to speed up your metabolism and total body conditioning is to engage in squat jumps. This body weight drill is highly effective in conditioning your body to execute intense intervals of short burst work while keeping strict management on your recovery time. Additional loading can be done, but is not necessary.

To execute this intense cardio drill simply stand with your feet at about shoulder width distance apart in length. From here initiate a counter-movement with your arms by swinging them back with your hips as you descend into the base of the squat. This squat movement should be quick and powerful. As soon as you reach the base of the squat you will then want to explosively extend at your hips, knees, and ankles with enough force to elevate your body off of the ground. As you force your body up bring your arms forward to assist your body in extending in the process. Make sure to land heel to toe and to flex at the hips, knees, and ankles in order to set yourself up for the next immediate jump! Perform all jumps in continuous succession.

2. Cycled Split Squat Jumps: This is another plyometric drill that will give you a tremendous cardio workout routine. For this drill you will want to start from a lunge position. Now the key to this explosive cardio exercise is to maintain body control and balance while performing a very dynamic movement.

From the lunge position you are going to explosively extend and jump off of your front leg and switch your legs in mid air to reverse their position. As you land you are going to land in the same position as you started which is from the lunge. Now the key here is to keep your jumps moving in a constant pace or cycle. You should cycle the lunge jumps back and forth maintaining your balance and position to the ground with smooth effort. This is a cardio fitness exercise that will change your workouts forever.

If you haven’t already started to implement the following 2 cardio drills into your workouts then you are missing the boat! Take the time to learn more by accessing my articles. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the best train smart!