3 Effective Cardio Exercises for the Gym

I have a love hate relationship with cardio.

When it comes to which type of cardio exercises are the most effective, I’ve found gym machines to be my best friend.

Here are three of my favorite machines to use when I do cardio…

Stair Climber

The stair climber can be a hard exercise for newbies.

If starting out new, you should aim for around 15-20 minutes on a low level (2-4).

If your body is used to high-intensity cardio you can do 20-30 minutes on a higher level of (4-10).

(Levels may vary based on machine used)

Perks of the stair climber:

  • High fat burn
  • High calorie burn

Side note: The stair climber can put a lot of pressure on your knees if that is something you already struggle with.

Treadmill

The treadmill is definitely my favorite way to do my cardio.

I LOVE this type of cardio because there are so many ways to switch it up.

Different workouts:

  • 15-20 minute high intensity jog
  • 20-25 minute incline walk (Incline is a great way to increase calorie burn and target those lower leg muscles)
  • 30 minute moderate intensity (walking half, jogging half)

Perks of the treadmill:

  • Increases heart rate to a healthy level
  • Builds bone density & muscles

Cycling

Cycling is definitely the most fun way to do cardio.

Whether you do a stationary bike or a real one, it is a great workout.

30 minutes of cycling (regular bike)

Whether you are cycling in a park, neighborhood or street you will be getting a great amount of variation of hills and intervals of low and a high intensity workout.

30 minutes of cycling (stationary bike)

I highly suggest selecting the “rolling hills” option when cycling on a stationary bike (if this is an option).

IF NOT: Feel free to adjust the resistance level on your bike for a low medium or a high intensity workout

Perks of cycling:

  • Improved joint mobility
  • strengthens bones
  • Improves posture

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Have a great time doing your cardio and taking care of the body God gave you!

Embrace grace with joy,

ALEXIS

3 Things to Avoid When Responding to the Call of God

To the people that want to start responding to the call of God on their lives…

This is my first blog post to ever write and responding to God’s call is very close to my heart. This blog post actually is me stepping out and responding to God’s calling. While it makes me a little uncomfortable hitting publish on this knowing many of my peers may see it, I have decided to step out today. I hope this can be an encouragement to someone.

Here are 3 things to avoid when responding:

1. Running Away

Initially a lot of us can have the reaction of “who me?”

Why does God have to send ME?

In the Bible, Jonah is someone who just wanted to run away from God’s calling. So much so, that God had to put him in the belly of a whale to keep him from running!

Jonah got angry at God’s calling. God says to Jonah in Jonah 4:4, “But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Although Jonah did not feel like doing Gods work, it wasn’t right for him to be upset at his calling.

We have to remember that everything we do is for God’s kingdom purpose not our own.

2. Comparing Our Calling

It can be so hard to not want to play the comparison game. We can look at other people’s callings and think they look more “glamorous” or “easier” than our own.

We have to remember that God has equipped each person with different skill sets and abilities. The church needs the youth leader, music director, janitor, children ministry director, head pastor and many other people!

Your role is as important as everyone else’s. In the Bible, Jonathan was the son of the first king of Israel. He should have been the second king of Israel. Instead God anointed David as the second king of Israel. Jonathan willingly supported David’s calling, even though he could have gotten jealous of him.

We have to support others and not compare ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are all working together for one cause, to bring glory to God.

3. Half Listening

In the Bible, King Saul half listened to God when he was told to not take any plunder after winning his battle. God sent him into battle and told him to destroy everything. This plan did not go with what King Saul wanted. He chose to follow his own ideas and kept some of the animals for himself. Unfortunately, by disobeying he did not get the full blessing of God and God was not pleased with King Saul.

We want to fully follow God’s plan.

When we half listen, we do not reap the reward we could’ve received if we had fully surrendered to his plan.

Beware of running away, comparing your calling and half listening.

We are all called to say “yes” to Jesus. Sometimes this requires us to let down our safety nets and say “here I am, send me.”

Embrace grace with joy,

ALEXIS

You’re not alone, let’s be friends 🙂

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