Reignite Your Routine

Consider this the state of cardio in 2022: Women are breaking up with unfulfilling activity and tapping into methods that offer bigger payoffs. Watch the fitness evolution unfold - and learn how to find a more rewarding (and effective) routine.

- JULIA SULLIVAN

IN HER FIVE AND A HALF YEARS AS A CYCLING INSTRUCTOR, PERSONAL TRAINER ROXIE JONES TAUGHT UPWARDS OF 10 SPINNING CLASSES PER WEEK (THAT’S MORE THAN 2 500 CLASSES IN TOTAL!).

More recently, she’s had to deal with the repercussions – including hormonal issues and sleep problems – of going overboard on this popular form of cardio. Fortunately, she has learnt to embrace more balanced training, which nets healthier results…but it wasn’t easy.

Of course, the average sweat fanatic may not be pedalling vigorously on a stationary bike 10 times a week, but it’s not unusual for women to have a torrid relationship with cardio at some point in their lives. And while strength training has drawn more women away from the elliptical in recent years, cardio has long remained front and centre in everything from government exercise recommendations to advertising.

Consider this for a moment, though: Cardio may not need as strict a prescription or definition as we thought – or even as sizeable a place in our routines. Seriously! An evergrowing body of research (and a powerful social media movement) is bearing out the truth that strength training can provide the same – if not more – results and emotional perks as classic cardio.

What does cardio need, in this case? A serious PR makeover. Ahead, why it became such a loaded topic – plus what fitness experts recommend prioritising in your sweat regimen instead. (We see gains in your future.…)