Exercises to get your heart rate up

Wednesday’s gym session always involves a fitbox class. Typically, this use to be my ‘easier’ class because it would just not push me like other classes and was a lower-calorie burner, which equals lower-heart rate (according to my heart rate monitor). However, as of lately the instructor has been upping the anti a bit (thanks to my constant nagging hehe- we are friends so it’s okay guys!). I usually always alter the exercises and circuits when I do it to make it harder (not to show off, but rather to challenge myself more). This got me thinking what are some no-fail exercises to get your heart rate up? Well I thought I’d share a few with you and hopefully you can add some of your own also!

1. Burpees: I hate this move and I love it. I hate it because it’s hard and I don’t enjoy doing it haha; BUT I love it because it’s hard and makes me work!
2. Skipping Rope: I don’t like to brag, but I’ve actually become quite the skipper 😉 Even though I can do it for ages and it’s not too hard, my heart rate is always beating at a steady pace. And you’ll be surprised at how much you feel it in the arms after a while!
3. Sprints, running and jogging: I love doing short bursts of sprints in between lower intensity circuits and exercises. I also love it when I win so usually I push myself to beat whoever I’m sprinting against 😉 A little bit of competition can be healthy. Also since I am a terrible runner/jogger, doing those always gets me puffing and my heart beating!
4. Tabata: This incorporates 8 rounds of 20 seconds of work, followed by 10 seconds of rest. This equals a quick but not easy 4 minute exercise. You can do 4 different exercises for two rounds or two for four rounds. Today we did two exercises- power jumps and mountain climbers. It definitely worked! The point of the rest is to recover, drop the heart rate and prepare you for the next working round. By taking a rest it allows us to work to our full potential during the working rounds.
5. Jumping Lunges: Ouch! These are killers. Like burpees they are hard but (personally I find) unlike burpees they hurt alot! You really feel it in the muscles, as you work the legs and butt.
6. Mountain Climbers: This one is done on all four and requires quick movements. I especially feel this in my upper body and arms, as well as the heart.
7. Tuck Jumps: This one is obvious- you are jumping high and quickly, obviously the heart rate is going to go soaring! Haha.

This is all I can come with atm but I’d love to hear some more suggestions from you! I’ll slot more in as I think of them too. These exercises shouldn’t be done over long periods of time, but instead in short bursts followed by rests. These exercises are also great if you’re time poor or busy. You could add these to your workouts and do small ten minute sessions a few times throughout the day to get in a solid full day workout!

I’d love to hear your suggestions for some exercises that really make that heart rate sore!

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