Cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobic exercise or cardio, is any rhythmic activity that increases your heart rate into your target heart rate zone, which is the pace at which you burn the most calories and fat. It is any type of exercise that gets your heart rate up and keeps it up for a prolonged period of time. Cardio should be a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and it offers many health benefits, such as improving heart health, managing weight, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Here are some examples of cardio exercises:
- Brisk walking
- Running
- Swimming
- Biking
- Dancing
- Hiking
- Playing pickleball
- Walking 18 holes of golf instead of riding a cart
- Marching in place
- Jumping jacks
- Jumping rope
- Stair climbing
- Rowing
- Skiing
Its important to note that any kind of movement that gets the heart rate up, speeds up breathing, and makes you sweat a little counts as aerobic exercise. The best exercise is the one you enjoy, and there are many creative ways to get your cardio in and actually enjoy it.
