If you are attempting to lose weight through diet alone, you may be cheating yourself out of significant progress. Cardiovascular exercise is an important component of weight loss, because it raises your metabolism and allows you to burn extra fat and calories. The right cardiovascular exercises will allow you to make the most of your weight loss plan.
Brisk Walking
The most basic and accessible cardiovascular exercise is brisk walking. Walking is a great exercise to start with because it is very easy and no equipment is necessary. Although brisk walking does not burn as many calories as other, more difficult forms of exercise, it does burn a high percentage of calories from fat. The American Council on Exercise recommends walking 30 minutes per day.
Stationary Bike
The stationary bike has been a fixture of fitness centers for decades and for good reason. The stationary bike is one of the few pieces of cardiovascular equipment that does not require you to bear your full body weight, making it ideal for the morbidly obese or those with lower body injuries such as knee or ankle issues. The stationary bike also offers flexibility in level of difficulty. The bike can be used by beginners, or can carry you through challenging workouts in indoor cycling classes.
Elliptical Trainer
The elliptical trainer works like a stationary bike without a seat. To operate the machine, you stand on the pedals and move them in a semicircular motion. Most elliptical trainers are adjustable so you can alternate between running and marching motions. Some elliptical trainers also have handles which you move back and forth with your arms while you pedal. The Elliptical is a great form of exercise for weight loss, because it is low impact and can be enjoyed with little stress to the lower body. Although a good choice for novice and intermediate exercisers, the elliptical trainer may not offer enough of a challenge to the advanced exerciser.
Jumping Rope
Although most of us have not tried it since we were young, jumping rope offers lots of advantages for the serious exerciser trying to lose weight. Jumping rope burns lots of calories and keeps the metabolism high while the jumping motion also builds some lower body power. For those who bore easily, jumping rope has a skill component which many exercisers find to be an enjoyable challenge.
Member Comments
duvide May 8
We have quite a few skipping techniques in video loops for the single jump rope which help you to work on different parts of your body here.
Frank
duvide Jumpropes