Cardiovascular exercise, commonly referred to as cardio, is an essential component of a balanced fitness routine. Whether you prefer to work out at home or hit the gym, there are numerous options available to help you improve your cardiovascular health and achieve your fitness goals. In this blog, we’ll explore the best home and gym cardio workouts, along with tips to maximize your results.
Home Cardio Workouts
Even if you do not have access to a gym, there’s no reason to worry. There are so many cardio workouts that one can do at home with minimum or no equipment at all.
Jump Rope
Jumping rope is one of the simplest and most popular ways to elevate your heart rate. Jumping rope is an excellent cardio workout since it burns a lot of calories and also improves coordination. All you need is a small space and a pair of jump ropes. The beauty of jump rope is that you can do it absolutely anywhere, in the garden, at home, and even at work.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
If you’re looking for home cardio workouts that are quick and efficient, take a look at HIIT workouts. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. You can do HIIT workouts with exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, or squat jumps. The intense nature of HIIT provides an excellent cardio burn and also contributes towards weight loss.
Body Weight Exercises
Body weight exercises are those exercises that use your own body weight for resistance instead of other weight equipment. Exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, squats etc are body weight exercises. With no equipment required, body weight exercises offer excellent cardio benefits and can be done at home easily.
Zumba Dance Workouts
Another highly enjoyable cardio workout that one can do at home is the Zumba dance workout. Put on your favourite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is a fun way to get your heart rate up and avail cardio benefits.
Stair Climbing
If you have access to stairs, climbing them is a great way to work your lower body and elevate your heart rate. The stairs of your building will usually be deserted, giving you an excellent place to engage in stair climbing.
Gym Cardio Workouts
We’ve seen how easy it is to practise cardio workouts at home. At the gym, you have even more options because you have access to specialised cardio equipment. You can get a great cardio burn at the gym with the following workouts.
Treadmill Running
The treadmill is a classic cardio machine in the gym and a staple for cardio workouts. Simply hop on and start walking or running. You can adjust the speed and incline to challenge yourself.
Stationary Biking
Whether you prefer an upright bike or a recumbent one, stationary biking is a low-impact and effective cardio workout. Every gym you visit is bound to have stationary bikes that you can use to cycle and get an excellent cardio workout.
Elliptical Trainer
The elliptical trainer is a terrific machine which provides a full-body cardio workout. IF you’re practising cardio at the gym, then make sure to include a stint on the elliptical trainer for maximum cardio benefits. Not only is the machine highly effective for cardio, but is also gentle on the joints,
Rowing Machine
A rowing machine at the gym mimics the action of rowing an actual boat. Rowing is an excellent way to work your upper body and engage your core muscles. It sits a little on the more intense and advanced side of cardio workouts and is excellent for anyone looking to challenge themselves.
Group Fitness Classes
Many gyms offer group classes like spinning, aerobics, or Zumba, which can be a fun way to get your cardio in while enjoying social interaction and camaraderie with other like-minded people.
Cardio workouts are a crucial part of any fitness routine, and you can enjoy them both at home and at the gym. Whether you prefer the convenience of home workouts or the equipment options available at the gym, there are plenty of choices to help you achieve your fitness goals and enjoy the numerous health benefits that come with regular cardiovascular exercise. If you’re looking to up your cardio game, get the FITPASS app today and find the best cardio classes near you.
FAQs for Schema
What is good cardio in the gym?
Running on the treadmill, stationary biking, rowing, elliptical machine and group fitness classes provide excellent cardio benefits at the gym.
Which cardio burns the most fat?
Running is a cardio workout that burns the most number of calories. One minute of running can burn approximately 10.8 to 16 calories.
How much cardio is good at the gym?
Engage in cardio workouts at the gym for at least 30 to 45 minutes for 3-4 days a week for the best results.
