Dumbbell sets are a great way to add resistance to your cardio workouts and make them more challenging. Not only do they help you build and tone muscle, but when they are used correctly, dumbbells can really enhance your heart rate and help you burn extra calories — making them perfect for those who want to mix up their regular cardio routine! With this in mind, here are some of the best ways you can use dumbbells to take your cardio workout to the next level.
One of the most effective exercises you can perform with dumbbells is a burpee – an intense plyometric exercise that increases power and builds endurance. Start by holding two lightweight dumbbells and standing with your feet shoulder width apart. Then bend down into a squat and place the weights on the floor in front of you – as you move back up, push off from the ground explosively so that your feet leave it momentarily! Catch yourself in mid-air and return to the starting position then repeat for as many reps as necessary.
Another great exercise is alternating lunge jumps — these will help develop power in your legs whilst also getting those arms swinging! Start by standing with one foot slightly ahead of the other, both feet should be shoulder-width apart and you should have a light dumbbell in each hand. Lunge downwards so that your back knee almost touches the ground then explode upwards into a jump. As you jump switch legs mid-air so that both knees come together before landing back on the ground. When done correctly this exercise will really get those heart rate soaring!
For upper body movements, try explosive triceps extensions – these are great for building lean muscle mass! Begin by standing upright with a pair of light dumbbells at shoulder level – palms facing inwards towards each other. Engage core then extend elbows straight out behind you – at this point if should feel like something is pushing against your chest – hold this tension for 2 seconds before simultaneously pushing weights up over head while still keeping elbows extended – once arms are completely extended bring them back down again and repeat motion for desired number of reps.
Another exercise to try is mixing up different types of cardio intervals with dumbbell exercises; these ‘combo’ workouts prove very effective at burning fat quickly — combining short sprints or jumping rope intervals with single arm rows or bicep curls will help keep intensity high whilst preventing boredom from setting in too soon!
When working out with dumbbells be sure to choose a weight that challenges you but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the exercise. As with any exercise, it’s essential to warm up and stretch properly.
So there you have it — using dumbbells during cardio workouts not only helps build lean muscle but also burns extra calories making them an essential part of any fitness routine. So grab some weights today and take your cardio workout to new heights!