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The latter half of the 21st century has seen a major health revolution with more and more people warming up to the idea of adopting a healthier lifestyle. And the buck doesn’t just stop there. Numerous global food chains like McDonald's, KFC, Pepsi and Coca-Cola – who are usually the first names that come to mind when one utters the word ‘junk food’ have also pledged to cut down on ingredients that make their products unhealthy.
Nestle has also pledged to cut down the sugar content in their products in order to keep their products attractive in these changing times. Get the picture?
Flab, even a slight excess of it, is not only extremely unhealthy but also capable of making you feel extra self-conscious, something you don’t need while going about your day to day tasks. And to top it all, an excess of flab is an open invitation to unwanted and unfortunate heart diseases.
So, the sooner you get down to burning fat, the better. And there’s no better way to shed those pounds than to indulge in some good old-fashioned cardio exercises.
Cardio is amazing. It is capable of helping you shed oodles of weight and can also be practised at home with ease if you can’t make it to the gym. So, if you haven’t started cardio yet, we strongly suggest that you do.
However, make sure you proceed only after gaining a medical certificate of clearance from your doctor. With that in mind let’s take a look at 5 killer cardio workouts for men to get a muscular body.
#5 Burpees
When it comes to effective cardio workouts, burpees have a track record that’s second to none. Not only are they highly effective but also inspiringly challenging, which is why they’re a favourite of fitness enthusiasts everywhere.
Step 1: Stand with your feet positioned shoulder-width apart before bending your knees and resting your hands on the floor while getting into a squat position.
Step 2: Move into a plank position rapidly while keeping your torso extremely straight.
Step 3: Return to your squat position before taking a deep breath and explosively jumping upwards before returning to your squat stance.
Important Tip: Begin with 3 sets of 12 reps.
Next Up: Mountain Climbers
#4 Mountain Climbers
When it comes to full body exercises, the Mountain Climber is right up there with the best of the lot. Besides your core, the Mountain Climber also gives your shoulders and triceps a good workout. All in all, this is one cardio workout which is a must-do.
Step 1: Lie down on the floor in a prone position and get into a plank position while extending your arms directly below your shoulders.
Step 2: Use your strength to bring your left knee towards your chest while keeping your core as tight as a drum.
Step 3: Hold your position for a moment before doing the same thing with your right leg while simultaneously moving your left one back to its original stance.
Important Tip: Begin with 2 sets of 8 reps.
Next Up: Jump Squats
#3 Jump Squats
Jump Squats may look relatively easy, but make no mistake, they require joints of steel and a good amount of energy. Besides working your quads and calves, Jump Squats also help give you those ripped legs that are found on footballers.
Also, read 5 Effective Squat Exercises That'll Shape Up Your Butt.
Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms positioned by your sides.
Step 2: Proceed to push your hips back, bend your knees, and lower your body until your upper thighs are parallel to the floor. Extend your arms until they are parallel to the floor too.
Step 3: After a slight pause, proceed to jump as high as you can while swinging your arms slightly backwards. Regain your energy before starting over.
Important Tip: Begin with 3 sets of 15 reps.
Next Up: Jumping Jacks
#2 Jumping Jacks
A hugely popular exercise, Jumping Jacks gained worldwide fame after being heavily popularised by the US Army on their training reels. Jumping Jacks assist heavily in getting the blood pumping and is an excellent warm-up exercise as it gets every part of your body moving. Another must-do cardio workout, for sure.
Step 1: Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
Step 2: Proceed to raise your arms above your head and jump up while spreading your feet out wide.
Step 3: Revert to your original stance and repeat.
Important Tip: Start off by doing 8 reps.
Next Up: Box Step Ups
#1 Box Step Ups
Despite looking relatively meek as an exercise, the importance of Box Step Ups are not to be underestimated. Not only do they work the glutes, quads and hamstrings to the fullest but also burns fat effectively.
Step 1: Stand in front of a box or another sturdy elevator platform with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Step 2: Step up on the box with your left leg followed by your right one.
Step 3: Pause for a moment before reverting to your original stance.
Important Tip: Begin with 10 reps.
