The best home cardio workouts will allow you to exercise within your target heart zone rate. This zone ranges from 50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate. After you have built up your aerobic endurance, you can increase your intensity to 85 percent, explains the American Heart Association. Be sure to choose a cardio workout that you enjoy -- because you're more likely to stick with it. If you don't like jogging, for example, pick another activity. Plan on working out at least three times a week, progressing to six times if weight loss is your goal.
Treadmill Running
Treadmill running offers the convenience of a cardio workout without having to worry about weather conditions or traffic. You can proceed at your own pace. To get the most of a treadmill workout, you should monitor your heart rate as you exercise either using your treadmill's heart monitor or by taking your pulse. Most treadmills include an incline feature. You will find that increasing the incline will make a more effective cardio workout.
Circuit Training
Circuit training burns high amounts of calories while providing a fast-paced workout. You can build a routine combining weight lifting and activities such as jumping rope or running in place. The advantage with this type of workout is that you can combine two types of exercise in one session. If you are short on time, this can be a good compromise. This type of workout also addresses a common barrier to exercise, namely boredom. If you don't like a particular activity, you can substitute another exercise.
Aerobic Training
You can plan your own aerobic workouts. There are several DVDs available that will suit your workout goals. You may use an exercise ball, for example, to workout various muscle groups -- stationary cycling and rowing machines also offer home cardio workouts. By varying your exercise plan, you'll prevent boredom from sidelining your regimen. Some workout DVDs don't require any equipment, allowing you to get cardio exercise without having to invest a lot of money.
Exercise Bicycling
An exercise bike provides the same convenience as the treadmill with the added benefit of providing a non-weight bearing workout. Recumbent models offer a way to exercise which is easy on your knees if you have a history of knee problems. Many models have pre-programmed workouts which will take you through a sequence of warming up, exercise and cooling down. The advantage of bicycling is that it has a high calorie burn. You can burn large amounts of calories in a short period of time. With other demands on your time, an exercise bike can make an effective home cardio workout for you.
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