I really do. I hate walking fast on a steep incline. I despise the horrid Stairmaster. And the thought of the elliptical or even just light jogging makes me want to hurl.
You see, in the last 15 years I've done 35 bodybuilding shows, most of which included a grueling two hours a day of cardio for 12-18 weeks every show. I've just had enough! The thought of doing that again just gives me anxiety.
But I'm also smart enough to know that at 36 years old and with years of pro sports behind me, my heart, lungs, and even my brain benefits from cardiovascular activity. I know I need to be doing it a few times per week. For me and many others, so many issues can be prevented with a little cardio.
My solution? Make it fun. For me that means going back to my very first sport: martial arts.
It's more of a mix of taekwondo, jujutsu, kickboxing, and krav maga all blended into some sort of MMA. Beside the obvious – burning fat and changes in body composition – martial arts has several benefits for lifters:
As a bonus, you'll work off your frustrations and get some aggression out, all while burning fat, keeping your heart healthy, and having fun. Can't beat that.
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