There are two basic types of exercise. They are weight training and cardiovascular training. They both offer the body benefits, but cardiovascular (cardio) is geared more toward burning calories and losing weight. Cardio is performed by doing a repetitive motion for a long period of time. It can involve the arms, legs or both. When it comes to the types of cardio exercise, some are obvious and others are not. Regardless of what form of it is, they can all keep you slim and reduce your risk factors for debilitating diseases.
Walking
Walking is one of the most common and popular forms of cardio. It is a non-impactful, weight-bearing exercise that can be done anywhere there are roads, parks, fields, tracks or treadmills. You can even walk in place, if you have to.
Running
Running is similar to walking, except it is done at a fast pace, it is more intense and there is a lot of impact on the joints. It can be performed in intervals or you can run up hills to increase the intensity.
Step Aerobics
Step aerobics is usually done in a class format with an instructor who runs you through various moves while you step up on wide plastic platforms. This is also a high intensity form of cardio.
Stepping
Stair stepping is a type of vertical training, meaning you are going in an upright position, against gravity. It can be done on a stair climber machine or you can simply walk or run up and down stairs. Stadiums are a good place to do this type of cardio exercise.
Elliptical Training
Elliptical trainers have platforms that you place your feet on and handles that move back and forth. To use these, you stand on the platforms, grab the handles and move them at the same time in an oval-like motion. This allows you to work your upper and lower body at the same time.
Swimming
Swimming can be done in any pool, lake, stream, pond or body of water deep enough for you to stroke your arms and kick your legs while in a horizontal plane. It is a non-impact form of cardio exercise that is a good option if you have joint issues.
Rope Jumping
All you need for rope jumping, is the rope and enough space above your head to swing it. This type of cardio can be made more intense by using a weighted jump rope or you can use a light speed rope to jump at a faster pace.
Biking
There are several different ways you can use a bike. With a road bike, you can go long distances on paved roads. With a mountain bike, you can tackle some difficult terrain on trails. A recumbent bike has a backrest which also comes in a stationary model. Then there are regular exercise bikes or indoor bikes which you operate from an upright position. Any form of biking you choose is a type of cardio exercise.
Rowing
Rowing can be done on a boat in a body of water or you can use a row machine at the gym. With a row machine, you pull handles back while extending your legs to simulate the actual motion of rowing. This type of cardio works the upper and lower body together, just like elliptical training.
Boxing
Hitting a punching bag is a type of cardio exercise that involves the arms, legs and core. By dancing around it and hitting it with various punch combinations, you can get a cardio workout.
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