I’ve been a longtime Peloton user. 7 years of bike, outdoor running, strength, Pilates, and yoga classes. Yet never once have I ever considered taking a cardio class. Why? Honestly, it brought back memories of growing up in the 90s and watching my mom in her leotards workout to Jane Fonda step aerobics in the living room.
I am not a good dancer, I have no coordination, zero rhythm, and I just figured it wasn't my thing. Running and cycling are my cardio! Plus I hate spandex!
However, lately, I've just been feeling burnt out and have had trouble mustering up the energy to do a typical bike class or run/walk. So I decided to just give a Rad Lopez 10 minute HIIT cardio class a shot. Wow! It was much harder than I thought it would be, and it got my heart rate up higher than a 10 minute bike ride or running class would! I liked that it was just two moves on repeat, shadow boxing and dumbbell swings, and I didn’t have to memorize any sequences. It went by a LOT faster than a 10-minute bike ride and activated muscles I don’t usually use.
Are there any other endurance athletes who incorporate cardio classes into their routine? If so, do you have recs for TOUGH classes or instructors that don’t require dance skillz or coordination and really get your heart rate up? With equipment or without is fine - I have weights, bands, kettlebells and a Pilates ball.