What Are Examples of Cardio Exercise?

What Are Examples of Cardio Exercise?
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Cardiovascular exercise is any exercise that raises the heart rate above resting levels. According to the American Sports Medicine Institute, cardiovascular fitness is a special form of muscular endurance that requires the heart, lungs, and vascular system to deliver oxygen to working muscles efficiently. Fitness facilities have numerous pieces of equipment designed to improve cardiovascular fitness. Even if you don't have access to a fitness facility, you can improve your cardiovascular fitness and participate in cardiovascular exercise. The only tools you'll need to succeed are a good pair of fitness shoes.

Walking

Walking is a form of cardio exercise. Walking is also the easiest form of cardio exercise because it's something we do on a daily basis. To make walking more of a cardiovascular exercise, you need to walk at a faster pace than usual. Adjustments in speed, moving your arms, as well as walking uphill increase the heart rate further. A shoe equipped for walking is necessary to decrease the chance of injury. Walking shoes provide proper cushioning to absorb impact while walking on various surfaces.

Circuit Training

Circuit training is a type of exercise that combines cardio exercise with strength training. Circuit training is easy to perform and includes performing strength training exercises one after the other with minimal rest. Some circuit training programs involve performing 6 to 8 strength training exercises back to back with no rest and then resting for 60 seconds and repeating the circuit again. Circuit training is beneficial because individuals sculpt lean muscle while keeping the heart rate elevated. Fitness machines, your own body weight, and dumbbells can be used for circuit training programs.

Jump Roping

Jump roping is a form of cardio exercise. To jump rope, the only equipment you need is a jump rope. Jumping rope involves jumping over a piece plastic rope connected by two handles. Jumping rope is a pretty intense form of cardio exercise and requires a certain level of conditioning. To improve your ability to perform jump rope exercise, start with short intervals and increase time spent rope jumping over time.

Rowing

Rowing is a form of cardio exercise. A rowing machine simulates rowing in a boat and is done on a stationary piece of equipment. Rowing uses all major muscles of the body, which makes it an intense form of exercise. To row, individuals slide forward and backward while holding machine handles, which simulate oars. Most fitness facilities are equipped with rowing machines. Individuals new to rowing should start slow and increase time spent rowing as fitness levels improve.

References

Article reviewed by Molly Solanki Last updated on: Jun 5, 2010

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