I don’t know about you, but I’ve had to continue getting most of my cardio exercise in by hitting the gym this summer.  You see, I live in Northern California and the smoky air has made it just unhealthy to spend long periods of time outdoors.

Working on the same machines all the time makes any body lazy.  It knows what to expect, adapts nicely and you just might not get the same workout even while doing the same work.

Want to know a secret to up your cardio just a little without pushing your workout any harder?  

LET GO.

If you are on a treadmill, elliptical, stairclimber or even a bike, simply choose to let go of the handles and support your weight through your core.  Stand (or sit) up straight.  You may have to lower the incline or slow your pace down just a bit, but that’s OK.  

When you get your whole body involved in doing the work, you should see an uptick in your cardio workout.  For me, go hands-free always raises my heart rate about 10 beats per minute.  A long duration cardio workout doesn’t beat my legs any harder (like increasing speed or incline might), but it does challenge my heart to do more work.  It also makes my stomach, back, shoulders and hips carry more of the load.  

I get a better overall workout simply by letting go.

Give it a try.