What is the Best Cardio Workout? Experts Weigh In.

Cardiovascular exercise, often referred to simply as cardio, plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and fitness. With numerous options available, choosing the best cardio workout can be daunting. So what is the best cardio workout? Is it running, the treadmill or the elliptical? The answer is simple: the best cardio workout is the one you enjoy doing.

Overview of Various Cardio Exercises

Cardio exercises encompass a wide range of activities, including running, cycling, swimming, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), and group fitness classes like aerobics and dance. Each type of exercise offers unique benefits and challenges, making it essential to find one that aligns with individual preferences and goals. Some of the more popular cardio workouts include:

• Running or jogging
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Jumping rope
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
• Rowing
• Dancing (e.g., Zumba, hip-hop, salsa)
• Kickboxing or martial arts
• Aerobics or step aerobics
• Stair climbing or using a stair climber machine
• Elliptical training
• Spin
• Boot camp
• Sports like Pickleball, Volleyball, or Soccer

Benefits of Cardio Workouts for Cardiovascular Health and Fitness

Research studies have consistently shown the positive effects of cardio workouts on cardiovascular health and overall fitness. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that regular aerobic exercise significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and improves heart health. Additionally, cardio exercises help increase endurance, promote weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

But what exactly makes an exercise “cardio”? Any activity that elevates your heart rate between 60% to 90% of your maximum heart rate qualifies as cardio. For example, when you engage in activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling or even shoveling snow, your heart rate increases to a level that challenges your cardiovascular system. This sustained elevation in heart rate helps strengthen your heart muscle, improve circulation, and enhance overall cardiovascular fitness.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cardio Workout

When selecting a cardio workout, several factors should be considered:

• Personal Preferences: Choose an exercise that you actually enjoy and can sustain over time.
• Fitness Goals: Consider your fitness goals, whether it’s improving cardiovascular health, losing weight, or increasing endurance.
• Intensity and Duration: Determine the intensity and duration of the workout based on your fitness level and goals.
• Accessibility: Consider the availability of facilities and equipment needed for the chosen exercise.
• Flexibility: Mix it up. If you like to run, but also swim, dedicate one day a week to run and another to swim. Switching up your cardio workouts will help you avoid burnout and decreased interest. 

Insights from Fitness Experts on the Best Cardio Workouts

We emphasize the importance of finding a cardio workout that suits individual preferences and goals. According to a study conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the most effective cardio workout is the one that individuals enjoy and can stick to consistently. Figure out what motivates you and makes you happy. This could be anything from signing up for a dance class, running a race (maybe even an obstacle course race), going for hikes, biking in the Metroparks, swimming in Lake Erie or your recreation center pool, or adding jump roping to your strength training days. 

Also, switching up your cardio workouts will help keep you interested and motivated. We recommend changing cardio workouts seasonally to allow you to take advantage of the weather windows for activities. In the summer, add stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and outdoor swimming to your workout routine. While in the wintertime, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and indoor rowing are good opportunities to capitalize on the winter weather and get your cardio workout in. 

Make Cardio Exercises A Part of Your Lifestyle

Cardio workouts are an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, offering numerous benefits for cardiovascular health and overall fitness. With various options available, it’s essential to choose a cardio exercise that aligns with personal preferences and goals. Whether it’s running, cycling, swimming, or participating in group fitness classes, the key is to find an activity that you enjoy and can sustain over time. By incorporating regular cardio workouts into your routine, you can improve your heart health, increase endurance, and achieve your fitness goals.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns. If you are interested in making a positive lifestyle change and need some guidance, give us a call 440-552-6729 or click here for a Free Fitness Assessment and Workout, and we can help you strengthen your life.