There are many different types of cardio that can keep you healthy and looking fit. Sometimes it helps when we switch up our cardio routines because it shocks our bodies and keeps our metabolisms up and helps us burn fat. Someone recently wrote asking me for my top five cardio workouts, so here we go. I really hope that these workouts will help you feel the burn and keep you motivated all while burning the fat and boosting your metabolism!
Top 5 Cardio Workouts – #1 – Running
I run every day and I enjoy running! During the winter months, I run on the treadmill and during the summer months you will find me running outdoors for long distances. I run on the treadmill for a minimum of 30 minutes but typically I run anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. I am a half marathon runner so these runs really help me stay fit and trim. While running, I always make sure that I am hydrating myself, so water is always by my side. If I am going to be running for an extended period of time, I always make sure to take BCAA chewables before and after my workout. Running has many benefits. The first being that your body is getting a full workout all at once. You have to stabilize your core while at the same time using your arms and your legs to continue the movement and move you forward. Running is by far my favorite cardio routine.
Top 5 Cardio Workouts – #2 – Spinning
When I am not running, you can find me spinning at home or at the gym. Spin bikes allow for free range of motion in your legs and allow for you to adjust the tension while you are spinning. If you have never taken a spinning course, I would highly recommend taking advantage of one at your local gym. You will feel energized and challenged and at the end, your body will thank you! Once again, make sure to drink plenty of fluids while spinning. Normally, most spin classes last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. I always recommend starting with the slowest class possible and then working your way up into classes that are a bit harder. You don’t want to burn out your first time spinning because spinning is something that is truly worth your time.
Top 5 Cardio Workouts – #3 – Walking
Everyone can walk and burn calories while doing it. Don’t think you are too young or too old to join a walking group. Just get out in your neighborhood or city and start walking. Walking is good for you no matter what age you are. Walking has many benefits and really has a way of boosting your metabolism. Walking is more of a low impact exercise which is good for those of us with bad joints. I recommend walking for at least 30 minutes to get the benefits of actually exercising. Bring along a bottle of water and put on your favorite tennis shoes and enjoy a nice brisk walk. Walking can also improve your mood, boost your metabolism, help manage your weight, and lower your blood pressure!
Top 5 Cardio Workouts – #4 – Boxing
While not everyone will want to take up this sport, boxing is great for cardio. Boxing involves a lot of muscle groups. These include the biceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, and erector spinae muscle groups. In addition, boxing exercises also include the abdominal muscles, internal and external oblique muscles groups, pectoralis muscle group and latissimus muscle groups. Boxing requires that you either have a heavy bag or that you go to the gym. An option I know many of you are trying to avoid. However, boxing gets your body in gear for a great workout and it involves not only boxing but running in place which really gets your heart rate up there. You want to try to keep your heart rate at about 50-70% of your normal target heart beat range.
Top 5 Cardio Workouts – #5 – Belly Dancing
Yes, you read that right. Belly dancing can improve your mood and work not only your hips but your belly as well. Belly dancing has become rather popular in the United States over the last couple of years and now you can find this type of course at your local gym. If you are truly looking for a way to let loose and burn some calories, then try belly dancing. While belly dancing won’t burn as many calories as running or boxing, belly dancing is still one of my top five favorite cardio exercises!
I truly hope that one of these five exercises will be of benefit to you. We want you looking and feeling great while losing weight!
