Workouts consist of two parts. The first part consists of weight training. The second part, and equally as critical, is “cardio”.

Many people consider cardio workouts to be boring, repetitive actions. After all, there is something about running for an hour on a treadmill only to arrive at the same destination you began at, all while seeing no different scenery.

When you think about the journey instead, it becomes different. I enjoy getting on the elliptical machine and just ‘blanking’. Some of my most enjoyable time is on a elliptical machine with a pair of headphones and either a good, high-beat playlist or maybe a movie or show on my iPhone/iPad. Why? Because I am not thinking about all the crappy other stuff in the world.

So what’s that journey? Your journey to a more healthy life. Each of us has it within ourselves to improve our bodies, our health, and our lives. We simply need the commitment and dedication to say that we are committed to achieving our goals.

Today I have begun my renewed “ramp up” for cardio. I did 2.5 miles in 33 minutes on the elliptical machine. This time was spent with the iPhone set to a “workout” playlist I have set up. My goal is to get to one hour sessions three times a week, with half-hour sessions taking up the remainder of the days.

The first time I lost the weight, I used to do ninety minute sessions on cardio. There is something very cathartic about getting on an elliptical machine with a pair of headphones and just forgetting about the rest of the world for a little while.

It’s pretty simple. Relax, enjoy the simplicity, and know that you’re making a better you.