If Running Is Your Kryptonite, Try This 6-Move Cardio Strengthening Workout

Not going to lie: I find running on a treadmill to be rather boring and at times torture. If necessary, I'll do it (like when it's snowing in New York), but I'd much rather run outdoors with a great playlist or do a high-intensity workout that checks off cardio and strength training at once.

This workout is going to work your arms, legs, and abs all at once, and I can guarantee your muscles will be quivering once you're finished.

The High-Intensity Cardio Workout

You can do this workout at home, at the park, or in the gym. Wherever you do it, just be sure to go as hard as you can. If you find the workout is too intense, feel free to modify each move. For example, doing controlled reverse lunges in place of split lunge jumps.

Before getting started, be sure to warm up. This is a HIIT workout, which means you should take little to no rest in between each exercise. If that's too challenging, feel free to complete the workout at your own pace. After you've completed one round of all the exercises, take 90 seconds of rest. Beginners should do two to three rounds, and intermediate/advanced people should do four rounds.

  • Jumping jack: 20 reps
  • Drop squat: 15 reps
  • Mountain climber: 30 reps
  • Split lunge jump: 20 reps
  • Side skater: 20 reps
  • Burpee with tuck jump: 10 reps
01
Jumping Jack
POPSUGAR Photography

Jumping Jack

  • Jump your legs out as you bring your hands overhead, then jump back to standing.
  • Add in some cross jacks to work your inner thighs. Open your arms out to the sides as you jump your legs wide. Cross your feet as you jump your legs together while crossing your arms in front of your chest.
  • Complete 20 reps.
02
Drop Squat
POPSUGAR Photography | Tamara Pridgett

Drop Squat

  • Stand with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders, feet parallel or toes slightly turned out.
  • Jump your feet out as you lower into a squat. At the same time, bring your left hand in front of you, making contact with the ground. Your right arm should be relaxed, behind your back.
  • Jump your feet back in, returning to the starting position. This counts as one rep.
  • Repeat and be sure to alternate the hand that touches the ground.
  • Complete 15 reps.
03
Mountain Climber
POPSUGAR Studios

Mountain Climber

  • Start in a traditional plank: shoulders over hands and weight on just your toes.
  • With your core engaged, bring your right knee forward under your chest with your toes just off the ground. Return to your basic plank. Switch legs, bringing your left knee forward.
  • Keep switching legs and begin to pick up the pace until it feels a little like running in place in a plank position. Each leg counts as a rep.
  • Complete 30 reps.
04
Split Lunge Jump
POPSUGAR Photography

Split Lunge Jump

  • Stand with your feet together and your knees soft. Jump and come into a lunge with your left leg forward.
  • Push off with both feet, jumping them together, then hopping into a lunge with your right leg in front.
  • Jump your feet back together to complete one rep.
  • Complete 20 reps.
05
Side Skater
POPSUGAR Photography

Side Skater

  • Start in a small squat. Jump sideways to the right, landing on your right leg. Bring your left leg behind you, but don't let your left foot touch the floor. Keeping your chest up, deepen the bend in your right knee to work your glute muscles even more.
  • Reverse direction by jumping to the left leading with your left leg, allowing your arms to swing to the sides as you jump sideways, landing on your right foot. This completes one rep.
  • Complete 20 reps.
06
Burpee With a Tuck Jump
Tone It Up

Burpee With a Tuck Jump

  • Begin standing with your feet hip-distance apart.
  • Jump into the air, then lower down into a plank position.
  • Immediately jump your feet back in so you're in a crouching position.
  • From here, jump into the air and bring your knees to your elbows.
  • Land softly on your feet. This completes one rep.
  • Complete 10 reps.