Top 10 Cardio Exercises

Posted by Ajju

August 4, 2008

You already know that one of the most important things you can do for your weight loss goals is regular cardio exercise. There are so many choices out there. Below are the best cardio activities for burning calories and getting in great shape.

1. Running

Running is one of best activities you can do. It doesn’t require special equipment and you can do it anywhere. Best of all, you burn serious calories, especially if you add hills and sprints. A 145-lb person can burn 300 (at 5.2 mph) in 30 minutes. You should watch your knees and ankles for any discomfort or pain.

2. Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is an incredible cardio exercise. The best of this is that it involves your upper and lower body, which means it doesn’t take much to get your heart rate soaring. A 145-lb person burns about 330 calories during 30 minutes of skiing.

3. Bicycling

Cycling gives great cardio. It uses the power in your legs, you’ll increase endurance while burning anywhere from 250-500 calories in 30 minutes, depending on your speed and resistance.

4. Elliptical Trainer

The elliptical trainer protects yours aching joints from high impact activities and is a great way to build endurance. If you use one with arms, it’s just like using a cross-country ski machine. A 145-lb person burns about 300 calories in 30 minutes.

5. Swimming

Swimming, is a full body exercise. The more body parts you involve in your workout, the more calories you’ll burn. Spend 30 minutes doing the breastroke and you’ll burn almost 400 calories. You don’t have to worry about high-impact injuries as the joints are fully supported.

6. Step Aerobics

Step is one workout that targets your legs, butt and hips while burning almost 400 calories in 30 minutes if the intensity high. It might look complicated but step is easy to learn if you start with a beginner class or video.

7. Rowing

Vigorous rowing can really get your heart rate up and works on your arms like crazy. In 30 minutes, a 145-lb person can burn about 300 calories provided you do it with liveliness.

8. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing burns as many as 380 calories in 30 minutes. It has a high learning curve and you use strength and power with your arms and legs which is good again. It also requires lots of techniques and special equipment so you don’t hurt yourself. Being mentally tough is an added advantage.

9. Walking

Walking is a great exercise; it burns about 180 calories in 30 minutes. Adding sprints, hills, or even a few minutes of jogging can increase the amount of calories you burn. Make sure you walk briskly and keep you head up, swing you’re your arms and back straight.

10. Handball

Similar to racquetball (but without the racquet), the side-to-side sprints while playing will strengthen your legs and get your heart rate up. The learning curve of the game is high, practicing a lot before you can even hit that little ball. A 145-lb person burns over 400 calories in 30 minutes.

Cardio Exercises