The mission of theAmerican Council on Exercise (ACE)is to get people moving.
For many people, travel is a necessary component of life. Whether it’s for work or summer vacation, your ability to find the resources and time to stick to your regular workout regimen may not be possible.
The following cardio workout, however, is one possible solution that you can do when you’re on the road, pressed for time and have no access to traditional equipment. This efficient workout uses non-traditional equipment and can be performed anywhere.
For each exercise below, complete each exercise for 15 to 30 seconds with 15 to 30 seconds of rest between each set. Adjust the intensity by increasing the work time and decreasing the rest time.
WATER BOTTLE HIGH KNEE JOGGING
- Hold a water bottle in each hand in front of the chest.
- Drive the knees upward to bring the thighs parallel to the ground.
- Land softly on the balls of the feet and keep the core engaged to support the back.
WATER BOTTLE JUMPING JACKS
- Hold a water bottle in each hand and perform traditional jumping jacks.
LUGGAGE SQUAT PRESS
- Drive the hips back into flexion while maintaining a neutral spine. Grasp under the suitcase with both hands.
- Explosively drive the hips forward and straighten the legs, while pressing the suitcase above the head.
- Straighten the arms overhead and keep the gaze forward.
- Lower the suitcase back to chest level and sit back into the squat.
BURPEE WITH TUCK JUMP
- Begin in an athletic stance, with knees slightly bent and feet hip-width apart.
- Drop the hands down toward the feet and kick the legs back into a plank position.
- Bend the elbows and perform a push-up.
- Jump the feet toward the hands and jump up to standing.
- While jumping in the air, pull the knees toward the chest.
- Land softly and repeat.
JUMPING LUNGES
- Begin in a split lunge stance with both knees bent at 90 degrees and the feet facing forward.
- Keep the upper body tall and the head aligned with the spine.
- Draw the shoulders back and use both arms to increase power for the jump.
- Switch legs after each jump.
TOWEL WAVES
- Begin in an athletic stance while holding onto the corners of a towel (or two towels).
- Brace the core and create a "wave" motion with the towel by using the entire body.
- Engage the shoulders and back muscles to keep a flat back throughout the exercise.
SLIDING TOWEL MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
- Begin in a plank position with each foot positioned on a small towel.
- Create a strong core by flexing the transverse abdominals before driving one knee forward while keeping the other leg fully extended.
- Rapidly switch legs to create a "climbing" movement.
A version of this article originally appeared at ACEFitness.com.
