Best Cardio Workouts: Finding a Cardio Workout for You
Cardio comes in all shapes and sizes. It could be playing a sport, running in the park, using a piece of exercise equipment, etc. With this list of the best cardio workouts, you can make sure to have more fun and get better results when exercising.
This list of the best cardio workouts will highlight ten different cardio workouts that you can take advantage of. With this list, you can keep your cardio workouts fresh and challenging, both of which will encourage you to continue to push yourself.
One of the biggest reasons people get burned out with their workout program, running, etc., is because it becomes repetitive. Doing the same thing every day or every week will lead to burnout. But, if you can mix it up and get your cardio in while also doing multiple activities, you will continue to keep things fun and interesting. Also, many of these top cardio workouts can be done with a partner. This will provide even more inspiration as you will have an accountability partner and someone else that is relying on you to help accomplish their fitness goals.
And last but not least, it will also provide a community you can be a part of. Playing a sport, going to the gym, or jogging with a group of friends are all ways to enjoy fitness and be a part of a community that allows you to get to know more people. All of which will encourage you to stay active and continue to improve your health.
If you want to look your best while performing these different cardio workouts, visit our list of the best activewear brands. And to make sure that your body is fueled properly, our lists of the best workout supplements, best protein powders, and best pre-workout supplements will have you covered.
Top 10 Cardio Workouts
1. Jumping Rope
Highlights: It doesn’t require much space, gets your heart pumping, ropes are inexpensive.
About Cardio Workout: Looking for a great cardio workout that doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment? Look no further than the humble jump rope. Jumping rope is an excellent way to get your heart pumping, burn calories, and so much more.
Plus, it’s something that just about anyone can do. Jump ropes are also inexpensive and easy to take with you on the go, making them a great addition to any fitness routine. And don’t think that this is the same jump rope that you used to do as a little kid, either. There are a number of different jump rope exercises that you can use to challenge yourself.
2. Playing Sports
Highlights: Great for physical and mental health, provides a wide range of options, and can help you connect in a community.
About Cardio Workout: Who doesn’t love the feeling of getting out there and playing some sports? Not only is it great cardio, but it’s also a ton of fun. And it’s not just for kids, either. Adults can benefit from playing sports, too.
There are so many benefits to playing sports. First of all, it’s great for your physical health. It can help you stay in shape and improve your cardiovascular health. But that’s not all. Playing sports can also improve your mental health. It can help you reduce stress, relieve anxiety, and boost your mood.
In addition to all of that, playing sports is also a great way to make new friends and bond with old ones. There’s nothing like getting together to throw a football or kick a soccer ball around on a nice day.
3. HIIT Workout
Highlights: High intensity and quick recovery periods, it can be modified as needed, and allows for a quality workout in a short period of time.
About Cardio Workout: HIIT workouts are one of the best ways to take your cardio workout up a notch. These challenging exercises blend intervals of high-intensity work with quicker recovery periods, so you can get more done in less time.
You can use HIIT with any type of cardio workout, whether you’re running, using a stair-climbing machine, rowing, or using resistance bands or a piece of ab exercise equipment. With HIIT, you’ll work up a sweat fast and see results sooner than you thought possible.
4. Gym Cardio Equipment
Highlights: Helps protect your joints, can watch TV or read while exercising, and can be used in your gym or at home.
About Cardio Workout: Whether you’re looking to run, jog, or power walk your way to better health, gym cardio equipment offers an excellent option for you. You can hop on any cardio machine that speaks to you and then get to work.
Another great thing about gym cardio equipment is that it will help to protect your joints from the constant pounding of running on pavement. So if you have joint issues, consider using an elliptical or row machine; both are extremely joint-friendly.
And last but not least, as you are stationary while using these different exercise machines, you can read or watch something on TV. This will help to keep your mind occupied, and before you know it, you will have completed your workout. Just make sure to continue to push yourself!
5. Walk or Run Stairs
Highlights: It can be done outdoors on a nice day, improves athleticism, and can be done at your own pace.
About Cardio Workout: Looking for an effective high-intensity cardio workout? Look no further than running or walking stairs. This workout builds speed, power, agility, and cardiovascular fitness. And it’s a great way to get in some exercise on a nice sunny day as well.
When looking for some stairs to run, check out your local high school stadium, or if you live in a downtown area, maybe a taller parking garage.
6. Swimming
Highlights: Involves large muscle groups working together, it helps improve your overall cardiovascular health, and is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
About Cardio Workout: Swimming involves lots of large muscle groups working together simultaneously and continuously, which gets your heart pumping and helps improve your overall cardiovascular health.
It is also a great way to exercise for those that are looking to avoid putting stress on their joints. Not to mention, it’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. So dive into swimming today and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
7. Running/Walking
Highlights: You can go at your own pace, perfect for enjoying a sunny day, and you can easily track your times to work on improvement.
About Cardio Workout: If you’re looking to improve your cardiovascular health, walking and running are excellent exercises to consider. Walking is a great way to start if you’re new to working out, while running can help you burn more calories and lose weight.
Whether you start out walking, running, or with a combination of both, having the right pair of shoes makes a big difference. So make sure to take advantage of our list of the best running shoe brands and find the perfect pair of running shoes for you.
8. Boxing
Highlights: High-impact activity, builds strength and stamina, and is a fun way to switch up your workouts.
About Cardio Workout: Looking for an exhilarating way to get in shape? Check out boxing. Not only is it an incredible workout for your heart and lungs, but you’ll also torch some serious calories. A typical boxing session can burn up to 1000 calories, and because it’s a high-impact activity, you should see results quickly.
But cardio boxing isn’t just about burning calories. It’s also a great way to build strength and stamina. By combining shadowboxing and bag work with continuous cardio movements, you’ll develop powerful muscles and learn how to control your heart rate. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for a new challenge, boxing is the perfect cardio workout for you.
9. Bodyweight Exercises
Highlights: Can be done anywhere, does not require any expensive equipment, and is challenging and effective.
About Cardio Workout: Bodyweight exercises are an excellent way to improve your cardio and overall conditioning. This type of training can be done anywhere, without any expensive equipment, and it’s a great way to get your sweat on.
To help you get started, visit our lists of the best core exercises, best push-up variations, and best yoga poses. These lists will provide bodyweight exercises that you can use to get started on right away.
10. Rowing Machine
Highlights: Protects your joints, allows you to go at your own pace, and incorporates the whole body.
About Cardio Workout: If you’re looking for an excellent aerobic exercise that can help with weight loss, stamina, and more, look no further than the rowing machine. Using a rowing machine will incorporate your entire body to create power and is a great cardio workout.
Before you know it, you will feel like you are rowing for a gold medal in the Olympics. And as mentioned with some of the other workouts, a rowing machine is one of the best cardio workouts for protecting your joints because there is no hard pounding on your joints with this exercise.
Editor’s Picks for Best Cardio Workouts
While all the workouts on this list offer excellent cardio benefits, a few stand out for their versatility, accessibility, and full-body engagement.
Top Pick: HIIT Workouts
High-Intensity Interval Training continues to be a favorite among fitness professionals for a reason. It delivers powerful results in a short amount of time and can be tailored to any fitness level.
Best for Beginners: Walking/Running
If you’re just starting out or recovering from an injury, walking and running are great entry points. They allow you to ease into cardio and build endurance gradually.
Most Joint-Friendly: Swimming
Swimming is the best low-impact cardio workout for people with joint pain or mobility concerns. It builds endurance, improves circulation, and engages all major muscle groups without putting stress on your body.
Most Portable: Jumping Rope
Whether you’re traveling or working out at home, a jump rope fits in any bag and delivers an intense workout that improves agility, coordination, and cardiovascular health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardio Workouts
How often should I do cardio workouts?
Most health experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio per week. This can be broken up into 30-minute sessions 5 days a week or however best fits your schedule.
What is the best cardio workout for fat loss?
HIIT workouts and activities like running, swimming, and jump rope are highly effective for burning calories and fat. The key is consistency and maintaining a calorie deficit.
Can cardio workouts build muscle too?
While cardio isn’t typically known for muscle building, certain workouts like rowing, boxing, and HIIT can help tone muscles while improving cardiovascular endurance.
Is it better to do cardio before or after weight training?
If your goal is to build strength, do weight training first. If your primary goal is fat loss or improving endurance, doing cardio first may be better. Ultimately, consistency and preference matter most.
Do I need equipment for effective cardio workouts?
Not at all. Bodyweight exercises, walking, running, and jumping rope are all excellent cardio workouts that don’t require equipment. However, machines like treadmills and rowing machines can enhance variety and performance.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cardio Workouts
1. Mix It Up Weekly
Avoid the monotony that leads to burnout by rotating your cardio workouts each week. For example, try HIIT on Mondays, swimming on Wednesdays, and boxing on Fridays. Variety will keep your body challenged and your mind engaged.
2. Track Your Progress
Use a smartwatch or fitness app to monitor heart rate, calories burned, and workout time. Tracking your stats can help you stay accountable and highlight improvements over time.
3. Focus on Proper Form
Whether you’re running, rowing, or doing bodyweight exercises, maintaining proper form is critical to preventing injuries and getting the most benefit. Don’t sacrifice form for speed or reps.
4. Stay Hydrated and Fueled
Cardio can be demanding, especially during intense workouts. Stay hydrated before, during, and after, and make sure you’ve had a light snack or meal for energy if you’re working out for extended periods.
5. Wear the Right Gear
Invest in quality running shoes, supportive activewear, and any sport-specific accessories like gloves for boxing or goggles for swimming. Proper gear can enhance comfort and prevent injury.
6. Partner Up
Working out with a friend not only makes cardio more fun but also adds accountability. Group fitness classes, sports teams, or even a walking buddy can make a big difference in consistency.
7. Prioritize Recovery
Give your body time to recover between cardio workouts, especially if you’re doing high-impact or high-intensity sessions. Stretching, foam rolling, and rest days are just as important as the workout itself.
Best Cardio Workouts Conclusion
The best cardio workout for you is the one that fits your individual needs and goals. If you’re looking for a way to get in shape without spending hours at the gym, there are several great cardio workouts that you can do at home, at the park, on a court, etc. So, find the one that works best for you and get started on your fitness journey.
And, of course, it doesn’t have to be just one type of cardio. The more you can mix and match your cardio, the more excited you will be to look forward to it.
Another big part of cardio and exercise, in general, is having the right equipment. For example, if you have a quality pair of running shoes compared to shoes that don’t offer much support, your jogging outlook will be very different. Or even if it is as simple as the activewear clothing, you are wearing and feeling and looking your best while you exercise. Having the right athletic gear can make a big difference, so invest in that as well.
Do you have a favorite cardio workout that didn’t make the list? Please feel free to share below if you do.
