Bodybuilding Training Advice: Summer Is A Great Time To Do Your Cardiovascular Activity Outdoors

My bodybuilding coach and friend Tim Gardner is the one who introduced me to cardiovascular exercise back in 2001 when I decided to participate on my first bodybuilding competition. Though at that time I already had 11 years of performing hard bodybuilding routines under my belt, I was under the wrong assumption that any cardiovascular activity would only hold my bodybuilding progress back.

These days I now greatly value my cardiovascular workouts whether I am in the off-season or burning some major body fat during a pre-contest phase. Because during pre-contest I increase my cardiovascular exercise to two sessions of 45 minutes a day (one in the morning and one later in the afternoon between 3pm to 6pm), I now only like to participate on contests that take place over the summer. The reason for that is two-fold:

• The days here in Florida are longer during summer so even at 6 pm the sun is shinning brightly outside which naturally leads to higher energy levels (a very scarce resource during a pre-contest phase).



• Because of the great weather outside, one feels more compelled to execute the aerobic activity outdoors, which makes it more effective, relaxing and enjoyable.

My personal cardiovascular activity of choice for the outdoors (though running and bike riding are good too) is fast walking (walking anywhere between 3.5-4 MPH) for 45 minutes. My time simply flies as I just go from block to block around the neighborhood. Walking outside not only beats the treadmill in terms of the boredom factor but also is a more effective way to walk as you have to move your body through a static surface as opposed to a one that moves for you (as it takes more muscles to move through a static surface). In addition, it is very relaxing to breathe the morning or afternoon air as well as watching the scenery.

So put your walking shoes on, bring the family along and use the nice summer days to do some outside walking, running or bike riding and burn some body fat as a result.

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