5 Ways to Add Intensity to Your Workouts

Add Power to Your Cardio Workouts

If you want to burn more calories while improving your strength, speed and power, why not add a little power to your workouts? Athletes use power moves, or plyometric exercises, to help them jump higher, last longer and protect them from injury. But you don't have to train like an athlete to get the benefits of power training.

• Jumping. Adding different types of jumps to your workout can really crank up your heart rate. Try jumping straight up and landing in a slight squat, jumping forward with both feet in a long jump or jumping up onto a step or platform with both feet at a time.
• One-Legged Jumps. Jumping with both feet can be very challenging, but try it with one leg and you'll experience a whole different kind of challenge. Try hopping across the room, jumping onto a step or just jumping up and down on one leg. * Keep the move slow and explosive.
• Power Squats. Another way to add power is by doing slow power squats. Jump up and land in a wide squat as low as you can. In an explosive movement, jump the feet back together.
• Power Lunges. You can do the same thing with lunges (these are tough!). Just lower down into a lunge and jump up, switch legs in the air, and land in a lunge.

For more ideas on how you can add power to your workouts, my article, Hardcore Cardio includes a variety of exercise ideas and workouts. You can also try this Cardio Blast Workout for a tough cardio workout.