Summer Cardio Exercise Quandry

Head for Cover, Beat the Heat, and Keep the Cardio Going

Summertime can be a really tough time for fitness. The outdoor exercise options become limited by the heat. Here are four quick indoor exercise options to keep on the fitness path.


1. Elliptical Trainer

This is a great way to get into shape and increase your endurance without high impact on your joints.  Runners especially like to use this machine as an alternate to running outdoors.  An average build person can burn 300 calories in just half an hour.

2. Step Aerobics

Step aerobics are a lot of fun and the only equipment you need is a step pad about 6" high.  It's not the easiest workout by any means, but it's not complicated.  Your hips, butt, and legs will get a major workout and you can burn up to 400 calories in just half an hour.  The easiest way to do stepping is to start with your right foot, step up on the step, step up with your left foot, then step down with your right foot, followed by your left foot.  About half way through you can change to starting with your left foot.  A good intense workout would be to try to do 40 steps in about two minutes.

3. Rock Climbing

This exercise isn't for the squeamish and requires training and specialized equipment.  It uses the strength and power in your legs and arms and burns almost 400 calories in half an hour.  Many cities have climbing gyms. A climbing gym can also open up a potential new group of friends.

4. Handball and Raquet Ball

Your heart rate and legs will get a great workout with the sprinting you'll be doing with one of these sports.  Go to a health club where you can get training with a personal training and take your time learning to do it well.  An average sized person can burn more than 400 calories in just half an hour!