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5 of the best cardio workouts

Posted on Jul 31st 2007 2:10PM by Lauren Greschner

Filed Under: Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

It's no secret that aerobic exercise is good for you. It lowers the possibility of heart disease, lowers blood pressure and elevates your mood, among other benefits. For those just starting out though, it may be tough to know what kind of exercise will be of the most benefit. If you're unsure of what type of cardio to try, here's a list of 5 great workouts:

Walking/Running - Walking is fantastic because nearly everyone can do it and it can be done pretty much anywhere. Plus it's cheap and it's easy on your body. As the article mentions, running burns more calories but is tough on your joints so make sure to invest in a really good pair of shoes.
Swimming - Depending on the stroke, swimming engages a number of muscles at a time. Legs and arms work together and it's usually necessary to tighten up your core as well. This exercise is easy on joints so is better for those who have trouble with running or even walking. And based on my experience, swimming is great because you stay cool while burning calories.
Jumping Rope - Have you tried jumping rope lately? It's darn tough! I don't remember getting so out of breath when I was younger, but a jump rope will have your heart rate up fast. Plus they're cheap and easy to use. But again, this activity can be tough on joints.
Biking/Spinning - I admit that cycling on an indoor stationary bike is one of my least favorite activities. But it does burn calories, so if you can work hard (which is tough while reading a book, for those of you out there who I've seen diving into a novel while on the bike) and imagine away the monotony, it'll do you a lot of good. Biking outdoors, when the weather permits, is fantastic though and is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.
Cross-country skiing - From what I remember of cross-country skiing, it doesn't look hard to glide across the snow, but this is one activity that will literally get your butt into shape. You'll work both legs and arms (they'll be shaky when you're done, trust me) and if you don't start to feel short of breath right away, you're probably sliding down a hill. Plus it's a great way to enjoy the great outdoors in the winter.

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Tags: 5, best, biking, cardio, cross-country skiing, Cross-countrySkiing, exercise, five, jumping rope, JumpingRope, running, spinning, swimming, top, walking, workout

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

FitClubScott 7-31-2007 @ 2:58PM

The best cardio workout?

It's the one that you will do.

If you hate running, and won't do it, then it isn't a good option for you, no matter how many calories per minute it burns. Do what you enjoy, sweat some, and do it consistently.

http://thefitclub.blogspot.com

jocie 8-06-2007 @ 8:35PM

i think that everyone knows the best cardio work-outs, its just people are lazy and dont want to do them.

Hooshpower 8-06-2007 @ 8:35PM

Technically the best cardio you can do is Cross Country Skiing. The second best cardio you can do is Rowing. By my definition rowing engages about 85% legs, 10% arms, 5% back/ab muscles and will get your heart rate up pretty darn quickly.
If its too expensive to row out on the water, then you can use the indoor machine called the Ergometer or Erg for short. Almost all gyms have it and its usually not being used since its not a popular exercise machine.
This exercise is easy on the joints. I had a friend who had knee surgery after tearing his ACL in a snowboarding accident. He told me that after erging, he had more flexibility in his knee. Of course, consult your physician before starting any exercise routine if you are unsure of what your body can handel.

"MARATHON RUNNERS TALK ABOUT HITTING "THE WALL" AT THE TWENTY-THIRD MILE OF THE RACE. WHAT ROWERS CONFRONT ISN'T A WALL; IT'S A HOLE--AN ABYSS OF PAIN, WHICH OPENS UP IN THE SECOND MINUTE OF THE RACE."

-- JOHN SEABROOK "FEEL NO PAIN"

If you are serious about getting into shape, I highly recommend rowing.

~GMU Crew Club: http://www.gmu.edu/org/crew/

Prue 8-08-2007 @ 11:07PM

I was just wondering...is it good for a teen to excerise? I am thirteen years old, and I want to know how to get in shape before school..
I'm thinking about running a mile at least three times a week. Is that healthy?

carine pierre-paul 8-07-2007 @ 9:58AM

hopiing this works out for me because i was on phentermine loss the weight rapid fast gain it back super-light tro fast... my body (skin) drop my body x-tremely soft i couldnt eat felt like throwing up.Anyway just really happy to be reminded the best way is the excerising way eat well exercise and dont really have to strain....THANKS FOR THE ADVICE I SHALL TAKE IT INTO CONSIDERATION AND WILL POST BACK WITHIN A MONTH........thinks for reminding me the best way is THE RIGHT WAY....

UDRower 8-07-2007 @ 9:59AM

rowing is by far the best physical excersise I have ever experienced. I joined crew my first year of college with no experiece and my boat went on to be invited to nationals. The technique is relatively easy to pick up but it takes long hard hours to actually get good at it. Rowing on the ergometer (as stated above) is a great way to quickly burn calories although it may seem monotonous and boring after a while. If you've never tried it, I highly recommend you check it out!