Are burpees a good cardio workout?

ogruskie

Professional
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/rossboxing2.htm

I'm starting the beginners program. I think it takes about 12 minutes total, and once I get more fit I'll move on to the more advanced programs.

I was thinking that this good actually be a good cardio workout. I mean I could do 12-20 minutes of these burpee routines, take a quick break, then go out on a jog.

I'm just wondering if burpees are a good exercise in itself, rather than just being a warm-up exercise. I basically want to maximize fat loss with grueling cardio. However I've quit HIIT, its a long story but I won't bother enplaning.
 

JSE

Rookie
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/rossboxing2.htm

I'm starting the beginners program. I think it takes about 12 minutes total, and once I get more fit I'll move on to the more advanced programs.

I was thinking that this good actually be a good cardio workout. I mean I could do 12-20 minutes of these burpee routines, take a quick break, then go out on a jog.

I'm just wondering if burpees are a good exercise in itself, rather than just being a warm-up exercise. I basically want to maximize fat loss with grueling cardio. However I've quit HIIT, its a long story but I won't bother enplaning.

Um, Yeah! Add in a pushup and they will kick your butt. My trainer makes me do a ton of them mixed into a cross traning routine. They will give you a great cardio workout.
 

ogruskie

Professional
I used to do burpees with push-ups a while ago, and yes they kicked my ass. I remember when I took kung-fu we did these for warm-ups. It just makes me think whether or not burpees are worthy of being cardio workouts rather than warm-ups.
 
Not sure if I'd rate this as a beginner's movement ...

I do them as Ross Enamait recommends - go to the bottom part of the pushup, and explode up. This way, when fatigue inevitably builds and one's back is tempted to cave, the ground stops the caving (and saves you from back pain).

I do 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off - managed to complete 100 in just under 10 intervals.
 
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