I’ve always done about the same thing when it comes to cardio. Running or elliptical. My trusty ole friends.

Have I gotten bored with cardio? You bet. It’s the same-old, same-old, day after day. But I like the results so I keep on doing it.

Sound familiar?

A few weeks ago a friend of mine asked if I would help her condition for her volleyball season that starts mid-August. Sure! I thought it would be great fun to help Marilyn get into better shape. But I didn’t realize how much fun I would have, too.

The ordinary jog has turned into a fun, fresh way to spend the morning. We run still, but we do “butt kicks” where our feet kick all of the way up to our rear-ends with each step. Then we shake it up and do knee-up running. Marching, skipping, grape-vining . . . we’re doing it all.

We are both getting into far better shape than we would if we were just running or doing other repetitive indoor cardio machines. (It’s been so hot here, it’s been tempting to stay inside.) I’ve made muscles sore that I never even knew I had. My heart rate is jumping a little higher and the time seems to be going by much faster. For the first time in a while I actually found myself looking forward to getting cardio done this morning.

AND we are having much more fun than when we were just hitting the pavement.

So if you are getting bored with your cardio, try shaking it up!

Find a light post in the distance and sprint to it.
Put a good summer parade tune on your iPod and march to it.
Skip-to-my-loo, my darling!

Have a great time. And help me cheer on Marilyn as she gets ready to try out for the team!