What Is Cardio?

Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, is any activity that increases your heart rate and breathing. Aerobic exercise is important for improving cardiovascular health and burning calories. Examples of aerobic exercise include:

Walking: Walking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that is suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Running: Running is a high-intensity aerobic exercise that can help to improve cardiovascular fitness and burn calories.

Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact aerobic exercise that is easy on the joints and is suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Biking: Biking is a low-impact aerobic exercise that can be done indoors or outdoors.

Dancing: Dancing is a fun way to get your heart rate up and can be done to a variety of music genres.

HIIT (high-intensity interval training): HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest. HIIT is a high-intensity aerobic exercise that can be done with a variety of exercises, such as jumping jacks, burpees, and mountain climbers.

Find an aerobic exercise that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. It’s also important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you become more comfortable.

The recommended amount of cardiovascular exercise, or cardio, depends on your age and fitness level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio per week. This can be broken down into shorter sessions of at least 10 minutes, as long as the total amount of exercise is reached.

Moderate-intensity cardio is any activity that increases your heart rate and breathing, but you are still able to carry on a conversation. Examples of moderate-intensity cardio include walking, cycling, and swimming.

Vigorous-intensity cardio is any activity that increases your heart rate and breathing to the point where you are unable to carry on a conversation. Examples of vigorous-intensity cardio include running, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), and fast cycling.

You should find an activity that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you become more comfortable. Do not forget to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.