subject: 5 Cardio Exercises To Get You Going [print this page] Cardio exercises, sometimes called aerobic exercises, are necessary to lose weight and are essential to heart health. Aerobic exercises are exercises that are designed to raise your heart rate and burn calories. Generally the more you move the more calories you are going to burn in a 30 minute period. Here are five exercise that you will get you started.
Running-It is something anyone can do. It just takes a good pair of shoes and you are on your way. Joint pain is about the only issue that you could have as a runner. You can run anywhere and will burn about 300 calories per 30 minutes of running. The health benefits of running are numerous.
Cycling-This is a great way to burn calories and have fun with your family. This is something that can be done both indoors and outdoors. It has a great deal of flexibility when it comes to a workout with a bike. You have options for anything from a recumbent bike to a spinning bike and several in between. Speed and resistance play a big part in the number of calories that you will burn, but you can expect to eliminate about 250-500 calories per half hour.
Swimming-If you are looking for a full body workout, this is it. You will be putting both your arms and legs to work. If you need a low-impact workout, swimming will work for you. Many people that have arthritis or joint problems stay healthy by working out in the water. Swimming can be anything from treading water to doing the butterfly stroke. Thirty minutes of the breast stroke will help you get rid of almost 400 calories.
Walking-Nothing beats walking as far as exercise. You can do this anywhere. A brisk walk is what is needed to provide calorie burning activity as well as elevating your heart rate enough to give you the aerobic workout that you need. Mixed with jogging, walking can be the beginning of your interval training and can help you burn 180 calories in 30 minutes.
Step Aerobics-This is a great activity whether you are in a gym or working out in your home in front of your television. It also gives you a great lower body workout. If you are just starting out, a beginner class or DVD is suggested. You can work your way up to sessions that will burn 400 calories in 30 minutes.
Cardio is something that you need to be healthy and feel good and there are a large variety of exercises that can provide the required aerobic benefits. If you do not care for any of the activities listed above, you do have other options. Racquetball, handball, tennis, rowing, elliptical training and rock climbing are just a few others that come to mind when considering aerobic exercise. Find something you like and get moving.
