Are you looking for a quick, easy way to improve your mood? Then search no more. This 12 min Good Mood Cardio Workout is your go-to video workout!
This workout requires no equipment and only 12 minutes of your time.
The goal of this workout is to give you an energy boost and help you feel good.
If you want to know how to be happy every day or if you’re going to have a little bit of extra energy to get through the day, then this is the perfect workout for you.
Good mood based on Science
According to research by the University of Montreal, people who exercised daily experienced increased positive feelings. The study suggests a real connection between exercise and mood enhancement.
The researchers found out that exercising regularly can increase serotonin levels, which helps regulate moods. Serotonin also plays a role in sleep patterns and appetite control.
It’s important to note that the amount of time it takes to see results varies from person to person. Some people may need to do longer workouts while others will benefit from shorter sessions.
The easiest way to get this benefit without spending hours at the gym is with cardio exercises like walking or running outside or on the treadmill if it’s wintertime-where you can enjoy nature while getting some fresh air. You don’t have to do anything fancy; walk briskly for ten minutes, then jog slowly for two minutes, repeating this sequence five times. That will give you a great short cardio routine that instantly improves your mood.
Don’t be surprised if you feel happier and more energized throughout the day. Exercise has been shown to elevate mood even among those who are depressed or chronically fatigued. It can combat symptoms of mild depression and anxiety by giving you something positive to focus on.
Make time for exercise
So make time for exercise today-even 10 minutes-to improve your mood all day long! And remember: the more frequently you exercise, the greater the mood enhancement benefits you’ll enjoy.
If you don’t like running outside because of weather conditions (such as rain or heat), consider indoor options such as rowing machines at a gym, where results mimic outdoor running conditions, minus the weather.
In a study from the University of Georgia, researchers found that people who used treadmills were happier after workouts than those exercising outside in an open area. Almost 80 percent of exercisers reported feeling “pleasantly tired,” a vital indicator of a workout’s mood-enhancing benefits.
This research confirms what fitness trainers have long suspected: it doesn’t matter where you exercise as long as you consistently and stick with your routine. In other words, if your gym is inside, sign up for a treadmill work session this week and get started on that daily cardio goal!
As the saying goes, all good things start with just one step, and new habits can be formed by taking that first step at the gym.
The workout includes:
1. Cross Feet Jump
A Cross Feet Push-Off is a type of push-off that begins with crossing the feet and then applying a force to one foot while pushing off or pulling away from the other. In wrestling, a cross-feet push-off is typically used to maintain control of an opponent’s arm after executing a takedown.
How to do a Cross Feet Push-Off
A Cross Feet Push-Off is a type of push-off that begins with crossing the feet and then applying a force to one foot while pushing off or pulling away from the other. In wrestling, a cross-feet push-off is typically used to maintain control of an opponent’s arm after executing a takedown.
While standing, BOTH feet are placed together, touching each other, but it changes when you need to apply leverage. You only use ONE foot when performing this movement, so your stance will change in turns to best allow for positioning.
The first move can be done by stepping your front leg, your opponent’s lead leg, and then switching to the other side. Also, you can cross with both legs before moving your stance over for positioning.
2. Cross Knee + Toe Touch
To perform this movement, stand facing the wall with both hands holding onto it. Then turn around and lean against the wall with your back to it. Your right hand should be pointing straight out towards the wall, while your left hand should reach down behind you and touch the floor. The height of your knee should be lower than your chest.
Another example of an exercise to do is the cross-knee toe touch. Cross your right leg over your left knee and then reach down to touch your toes with both hands (or as close as you can get). Reach back up by straightening your legs and without shuffling your feet, switch legs. Repeat 8 times on each side.
3. Squat
Stand tall with your arms at your sides, palms facing forward. Slowly bend your knees until your thighs form a 90-degree angle with your body. Keep your head up and look ahead. Once your thighs are parallel to the ground, slowly return to the starting position. Complete 12 repetitions.
4. Cross Feet Jump
Bend your knees and place your hands on the floor. Step your left foot into your right hand and jump backward. Land on your left foot and repeat. Alternate between jumping forwards and backward 10 times.
5. Repeat on the other side
You can also use this Good Mood Cardio Workout as a conditioning drill to improve your explosive power-the key to improving your speed and agility on the court, rink, diamond, and field!
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.