Cardiovascular -- or cardio -- exercises increase the heart rate and keep it beating quickly for focused periods, improving overall heart health over time. These aerobic workouts also increase metabolism, enhance the body's hormonal profile and improve overall endurance. You don't have to run to the gym to keep your ticker healthy; many cardio exercises can be done from the comfort of your home in front of the TV, listening to music or even in between chores.
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope can be done conveniently at home for little money. This aerobic activity improves cardiovascular health while targeting and toning the calves, thighs and buttocks. For a mild workout, try the rocking skip, in which you essentially walk over the rotating rope at jogging speed, staying in place and keeping your feet within an inch off the ground; alternate your leading feet as you become more comfortable. Keep your head up, your spine straight and your knees slightly bent. Use the rope for jumps by keeping your feet together and hopping off the ground at a low height. Try jumping on one foot when you become experienced with the rope. Those without the necessary equipment can even do an invisible jump rope cardio exercise, jumping by pushing off their toes and simulating the circular motions of swinging a jump rope.
Rotating Pivoting Punches
This home cardio exercise is exactly what it sounds like. Exercisers stand in place and rotate their bodies while throwing punches to improve trunk flexibility, increase shoulder endurance, get their heart pumping and release stress. Start upright with your feet shoulders-width apart and toes pointing forward. Make fists with both hands and raise them to a guarding position in front of your face. Punch with your right hand to your left side, rotating your trunk and pivoting your right foot to follow the movement of the punch. When retracting the blow, return to your neutral position. Repeat with the left hand and rotate fists as you go. Focus on fast, intense movement. For an advanced cardio workout, add wearable arm weights of 5 to 10 pounds.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga -- which doesn't require any sort of special equipment and can be easily done at home -- incorporates cardio-friendly aerobics into traditional yoga poses. This exercise focuses on Ujjayi breathing, Mula bandha and Uddiyana bandha techniques. In Ujjayi breathing, exercisers learn steady and focused breathing techniques by passing their breath from their back to their throat. Mula bandha trains the body's core and the base of the spine while Uddiyana bandha tones the abs and helps expand the ribs, lungs and chest. Ashtanga isn't as low impact as other forms of yoga; in addition to providing a cardio workout, this total-body technique contributes to joint mobility, flexibility and weight loss.
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