Unconventional cardio, such as Tabatas and Timed Rounds, are a less traditional approach to cardio without the use of traditional machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, etc. Unconventional cardio can be a great way to raise the heart rate without stepping foot on a machine or simply a way mix up a traditional cardio workout.
The last installment in the Unconventional Cardio series, are Descending Pyramids. Incorporating Descending Pyramids into a workout can be a really challenging, fun and great way to keep a cardio workout fresh.
Descending Pyramids begin with 10 (or more) repetitions of any given exercise and are performed all the way down to 0 repetitions. They can be done with multiple exercises for a longer circuit that can act as an entire workout, or with just a few exercises as a finisher at the end of a workout.
Here are a few sample workouts:
As an entire workout:
Squats x 10 reps
Lat Pulldowns x 10 reps
Deadlifts x 10 reps
Band Presses x 10 reps
Squats x 9 reps
Lat Pulldowns x 9 reps
Deadlifts x 9 reps
Band Presses x 9 reps
Continue all the way to 0!
As a finisher:
Kettlebell Swings x 10 reps
Pushups x 10 reps
Kettlebell Swings x 9 reps
Pushups x 9 reps
Continue all the way to 0!
As a finisher:
Dynamax Ball Slams x 10 reps
Mountain Climbers x 10 reps
Dynamax Ball Slams x 9 reps
Mountain Climbers x 9 reps
Continue all the way to 0!
Jason DeHenzel has trained some of New York’s most prestigious clients, including high-profile lawyers, advertising executives, movie producers and musicians. Sophie DeHenzel is a Pn1-certified nutritionist and former downhill ski racer. The pair founded DeHenzel Training Systems to develop customized fitness plans for clients of different abilities, experience and commitment. Find out more at dtsnova.com.
