Cardio exercise is a great way to reach your weight loss goals. There are a alot of choices out there, deciding witch one works for you is up to you. You don’t just have to run on a treadmill, I’ve complied a list of different cardio activities that you can do that are fun and will help you get in great shape.
Running
Running isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of the best exercises you can do for your heart, your body and to burn extra calories. You need no special equipment just some good comfortable shoes and a place to run. A 145-lb person can burn 300 (at 5.2 mph) in 30 minutes. Keep running and your endurance will increase, you’ll be healthier and feel better.
Bicycling
You can use a stationary bike or bring excitement back into your exercising by stepping off the stationary bicycle and moving outdoors. First plan out a route that you are comfortable with. Pick a day with nice weather, some people listen to music while riding. Create a play list with some motivational music, songs that will keep you moving when your ready to quit. Using all the power in your legs, you’ll increase endurance while burning lots of calories. You can burn anywhere from 250-500 in 30 minutes, depending on how fast you go and how high your resistance is. Bicycling is also fun gets you out the house and chances are you’ll see something new every day and bicycling will not just be a exercise to you but something you will enjoy doing.
Swimming
Swimming is a full body exercise. The more body parts you involve in your workouts the more calories you will end up burning. Exercise in water is easy on the joints because the water supports you and water also provides a natural resistance. Spend just 30 minutes doing the breatstroke and you’ll burn almost 400 calories. If you have access to a swimming pool give swimming a try, swimming pool workouts are one of the best cardio exercises because it gets you to your ideal target heart rate quickly.
Walking
Walking is something you do every day. Its one of the less strenuous forms of cadio exercises. Brisk walking can burn up to 180 calories in 30 minutes. Sprinting, choosing a route with hills can increase the amount of calories you burn. If you get bored walking bring a mp3 player with you with you’re favorite songs on it. Choose a route with nice scenic views and pick a day where your comfortable with the weather.
Elliptical Trainer
The elliptical trainer is a great way to build endurance while protecting your aching joints from high impact activities. The elliptical trainer is a good alternative for runners. A 145-lb person burns about 300 calories in 30 minutes. Like a swimming pool workout, elliptical trainer exercise is an full body exercise.
Rowing
Rowing is a great way to get into shape. Whether it be for building muscle or aerobic exercise, rowing machines for exercise is a great way to add a new angle to your training and exercise. Because your using all four limbs, you’ll get a great cardio workout. If you are trying to lose weight, you’ll burn mega calories with rowing exercises. A 145 LB person can burn about 300 calories in 30 minutes. Rowing can be done in the gym or in the privacy of your own home. Machines range from a couple of hundreds of dollars to $2,000.
Step Aerobics
Step aerobics is a form of aerobics that is practiced worldwide by millions of people. The reason for its popularity is simple–it offers a great cardio workout without the need for extensive space or equipment. All that is required is a flat surface and an aerobic stepping platform. Step aerobics target your legs, butt and hips while burning almost 400 calories in 30 minutes.