Showerthought: I swore by long runs until a knee ache made me try bodyweight circuits

I always thought cardio was the only way to get a real sweat going at home. For years, I would just jog in place or do jumping jacks for what felt like forever. My knees started to ache last month, and I had to stop. A guy from my online group suggested trying short bodyweight circuits instead. I was doubtful, but I looked up a simple plan with squats, push-ups, and planks. I did just 20 minutes of that, and I was more out of breath than after my usual hour of cardio. My knee pain faded because the moves were low impact. Now I mix in these circuits three times a week and feel stronger. It totally changed how I see home workouts without any equipment.

3 comments

3 Comments

noah_king201mo ago

20 minutes of bodyweight circuits beat an hour of cardio? I mean, that's hard to believe.

patricia1671mo ago

Ever actually tried both, @noah_king20? Those circuits jack your heart rate way up and keep it there. It's more about the intensity than the clock.

johnh821mo ago

Seriously, my buddy got ripped from 20 minute sessions.