When most people think of cardiovascular exercise the first thought that comes to mind is it's boring.

Why is this?

Well, it's simple.  The majority of the public still conforms to the traditional methods of doing cardio...you know...treadmill, eliptical trainer, cross trainer, recumbent bike, stairmaster...basically anything that involves a machine or in my opinion, anything that simulates being a "hamster on a wheel."

When I first became involved in fitness and health I played the follow the leader role as well when it came to doing cardio, but after a couple years, I started to expand my horizons to different things - as I did with strength training.

Now what I'm about to tell you isn't anything new or revolutionary, but I feel it is by far the best and most effective way to do cardiovascular exercise. 

Are you ready?  The best cardio is...cardio done OUTDOORS.  More specifically, walking, jogging, running and jumping-rope outside.

I know, I know...big deal right?  How is it different than doing it indoors?

Well, allow me to explain.

First, doing cardio outside forces you to not make excuses and get it done.  That means you don't have to waste 20 minutes driving to and from a gym for something that can easily be done right away near your own home.

Now, many of you reading this have your own treadmill or piece of cardio equipment at home.  That's great and if you like doing your cardio this way...be my guest.  But occasionally, you need to change your surroundings.      

One of my clients, Julie, who also has a treadmill in her home told me that she is already bored with her cardio and I have been training her less than a week.  Her reason - She can't seem to get motivated because she is in her basement.  Well, you're not supposed to feel like you're trapped in a dungeon when doing it either. 

And that's exactly how you feel when you're in your basement.  Trapped and isolated.  Doing cardio outdoors gives you a much better sense of freedom and makes it more fun.

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Now back to gyms.  Something I can't stand to see people do while doing there cardio is watching TV or reading.  This can almost always be witnessed at gyms.

If you're trying to watch the boob tube or read while doing cardio...you shouldn't be doing it the first place. 

Your mind is obviously elsewhere and you're just trying to pass the time.

Cardiovascular exercise and watching tv/reading are two completely separate activities.  One requires you to train your body while the other requires you to relax it.  You can't do both.

If you're doing cardio exercise outdoors you're doing it the way it was meant to be done...effectively with NO distractions.

You're not cheapening it or trying to escape from it as all gyms allow you to do.

And this brings me to my last couple reasons why I feel doing cardio outdoors is most effective, although I could give you plenty more. 

When you do cardio outdoors you're able to get more oxygen to your lungs which helps you burn fat more effectively.

You're able to work your body at a greater intensity because of the uneven surfaces (Try running up hills and see what I mean) which again, helps you get into awesome shape.

And finally, when you do your cardio outdoors, you're able to think about your life more vividly and focus on what you want.  This means you're NOT wearing headphones.  It's just you and Mother Nature. 

Now, before you start calling me "Confucius"...try this yourself and see what I mean.  I promise, you're not going to feel like you're in a cubicle like gyms do.

I have been doing my cardio outdoors for many years now...no headphones...just me and my thoughts.  I consider this my time to not only work my body physically - but mentally as well.  I focus on my goals and what I want in life. 

Now, if you're ok with doing your cardio indoors that's fine by me, but it won't hurt to change up your routine every now and then.  Give outdoor training a try...I think you'll like it.

Yours in Total Fitness & Maximum Success,

Jim Coughlin