The best cardio workout for beginners is one that you enjoy. This article will explore some of the most popular workouts and what they offer as well as their benefits so that you can find a routine that suits your needs best.
We’ll break down different types of exercises to help those who are interested in getting into shape or staying healthy choose the right type of exercise for them! Be it biking, running, swimming, dancing, or any other form of aerobic activity this article has something for everyone!
What is cardio
“Cardio” is, of course, short for cardiovascular. You might also see it called aerobic exercise or simply endurance training – this type of workout strengthens the heart and lungs while also increasing your stamina over time!
Depending on your lifestyle you may need a different kind of workout to best suit your needs. For example, someone who leads a sedentary lifestyle may need to get all of their exercises through workouts while someone who is extremely active might find that they can get away with just 5 days a week of walking or biking.
How does cardio work
Aerobic activity benefits the heart and lungs by strengthening them as well as increasing blood flow throughout your body; this makes it excellent for those with heart conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and coronary heart disease as well as those who have chronic lung diseases such as COPD or emphysema.
It is also a great workout for those that suffer from anxiety, depression, or any other stress-related condition.
Studies show that just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise can be just as effective to treat these conditions as taking prescription medication.
People who are obese can also benefit from aerobic workouts as they are very effective at burning fat!
Those with heart conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before starting one of these exercises however since they can exacerbate or even cause these conditions to flare up or become worse.
Aerobic activities are typically long and drawn out. Since they are low impact there’s little to no chance of getting injured, although if you have any injuries that prevent you from participating in this type of workout be sure to take extra care not to injure yourself doing alternative exercises.
Swimming
Swimming is an excellent aerobic activity for those who are overweight or obese as it makes it easier for them to exercise. Although it is more difficult to calculate calorie expenditure for this type of workout, it can be very effective.
Swimming benefits the heart and lungs by increasing blood flow which oxygenates the body, giving you increased energy! It’s also excellent at toning your muscles without too much stress on the joints.
If you are trying to reduce your weight or get into better shape then swimming is an excellent workout. It’s a low impact on the joints and doesn’t require too much strain, making it ideal for beginners.
Swimming can also help improve your mood! Studies show that it increases feel-good endorphins in the body which naturally reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Hiking
For those who want a tough workout that is also low impact mountain biking, hiking, and hill walking are all good choices. These activities will tone your quads, hamstrings, and calves while helping you burn off pounds of fat at the same time!
Anyone who doesn’t live a particularly active lifestyle can get into shape by doing this. It is a great way to strengthen your leg muscles while also toning your entire body through increased blood flow and burning off excess fat from all over the body!
For those who want to increase their endurance or add more activity into their daily routine hiking is an excellent option. It’s a great workout for the whole body and burns off more calories than walking without too much strain on your joints or muscles.
Cycling
Those who prefer cycling can try indoor cycling which offers an intense workout while also giving you a place to ride without having to brave the elements.
Pedaling on a stationary bike offers the same benefits as traditional cycling and indoor cycling gives you a chance to enjoy your favorite music or listen to an audiobook while working out at the same time!
Jogging
If you want something that will get your heart going but lack the motivation to hop on a bike, jogging is an excellent choice. Find a good running path and get in some miles every day!
Jogging is also good for building endurance and burning off calories but is especially helpful for strengthening your bones.
If you are overweight or obese jogging can help you lose weight faster than by walking. However, since it puts more strain on the joints be sure to ease into it slowly rather than trying to run miles per day right away!
Zumba
For those who like to dance or who want something that can give them more of a full-body workout, Zumba is the way to go. It takes advantage of your entire body; working out your arms, legs, and core all at once!
This is a great exercise for increasing your endurance, burning off calories and building lean muscle. It’s an excellent workout that increases flexibility by stretching out the muscles over time while improving blood flow to give you more energy!
Yoga
For those who like to stay in shape with gymnastics or for those who want a way to tone up their muscles, yoga is the activity for you.
It’s an excellent workout that can be done anywhere; it is completely non-competitive so there’s no pressure like there is with traditional exercise and you won’t have to worry about any machines or equipment, just your body.
It is important to note however that there are forms of yoga and types of workouts so be sure to do a bit of research before jumping into this type of aerobic activity!
Conclusion
All in all, there is something for everyone when it comes to aerobic exercise. Find the best type of workout for you and get moving today!
The best cardio workout for beginners is jogging, yoga, swimming, and indoor cycling. Meditation can also be a good choice.
All of these exercises are low-impact and do not put too much pressure on the body.
Whether it’s jogging in the park, doing yoga in front of the TV, swimming laps, or pedaling away on an indoor bike trainer these workouts can be great ways to get into shape!
Just be sure to do some research beforehand so that you know how to avoid injury and that you pick an appropriate exercise for your fitness level.