Unconventional Cardio:
Descending Pyramids
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 10R
Lat Pulldowns x 10R
Deadlifts x 10R
Band Presses x 10R
Squats x 9R
Lat Pulldowns x 9R
Deadlifts x 9R
Band Presses x 9R
Continue all the way to 0!
As a finisher:
Kettlebell Swings x 10R
Pushups x 10R
Kettlebell Swings x 9R
Pushups x 9R
Continue all the way to 0!
As a finisher:
Dynamax Ball Slams x 10R
Mountain Climbers x 10R
Dynamax Ball Slams x 9R
Mountain Climbers x 9R
Continue all the way to 0!
Photo courtesy of: anontio diaz/bigstock.com
Written by Sophie DeHenzel
Unconventional Cardio: Descending Pyramids
You can also check out this blog article on Northern Virginia Magazine by clicking HERE!
About DeHenzel Training Systems: DeHenzel Training Systems offers In Home Personal Training services throughout Northern Virginia and Washington DC. Aside from in home, personal training is also available at the office gym or outdoors at a local park.
Within Northern Virginia, we service Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William Counties including: Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lansdowne, Leesburg, Lorton, McLean, Oakton, Reston, Springfield, Sterling, Tyson’s Corner, Vienna and Woodbridge.