When it comes to Cardio To lose Weight, activities such as running on the treadmill and elliptical come to your mind. Several cardio exercises for fat burning will increase your metabolism and improve your weight loss process. However, with so many types of cardio workouts available, it can be challenging to determine the best cardio to lose weight!

Aerobic exercise or cardio training is more than just helping you lose weight. Cardio reduces the risk of heart disease, increases muscle efficiency, and is very useful for weight loss and improving the functioning of the circulatory system.

Doing cardio exercises at home does not require a lot of space or even special equipment, and with a little creativity, you can integrate your fitness program with a wide range of cardio exercises and watch your fat-burning, calorie-burning, and weight-loss process.

In this article on elegant hoopoe, we will explore the Best Cardio To lose Weight, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your fitness routine. We want to help you determine the best weight loss exercises for your goals.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, understanding the role of cardio in weight loss can help you achieve your goals and improve your overall health.

What is cardio?

What is cardio?

Cardiovascular exercise, also known as cardio or aerobic are physical activities that increase the heart rate and promote the circulation of oxygen and blood throughout the body. These exercises are often referred to as “aerobic” exercises because they require oxygen to fuel the body’s energy needs. It refers to exercises that increase your heart rate to 50-75% of the maximum and improve the function of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system.

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Running, Cycling, Swimming, Jumping rope, Dancing, High-intensity interval training (HIIT), Brisk walking, Rowing, Kickboxing, and Stair climbing are examples of Best Cardio To lose Weight. They are performed over a long period, which will increase the heart rate and pump more blood in the veins, and ultimately carry nutrients and oxygen to all cells. These workouts are best to burn calories as well as helping you shape your body the way you want.

Cardio is important for maintaining overall physical health, as they improve heart health, lung capacity, and circulation. Regular cardio exercise can also help with weight management, improve mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

If you want to use cardio for weight loss, it’s important to note that it alone may not be enough to achieve your goals. A balanced diet and strength training are also important components of a weight loss plan. Additionally, it’s important to choose a cardio exercise that you enjoy and can stick with over the long term.

Why is cardio exercise important?

Cardio is not only for fat burning and weight loss, It is important for overall physical and mental health, and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases while improving heart health, lung capacity, mood, and sleep quality.

It strengthens the heart muscle and improves the heart’s ability to pump blood and increase blood flow to the body’s tissues. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

During cardio exercise, the lungs work harder to supply oxygen to the body. Over time, this can increase lung capacity and make breathing easier.

Regular cardio exercise increases the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. It also has been shown to improve sleep quality and help people fall asleep faster and longer.

 

Types of cardio exercises

list of cardio exercises

Low-intensity Interval Training: In these cardio exercises, the maximum heart rate is between 50 and 55 percent. This type of cardio exercise is quite similar to warming up before exercise, except that your heart and breathing rate increase.

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Moderate Intensity Interval Training: The maximum heart rate or MHR in moderate-intensity cardio exercises is between 60 and 70% and usually sports trainers recommend this level of exercise to people.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): The maximum heart rate in these intense exercises will be 75-85. In these intense exercises, you can’t talk anymore and you get short of breath. When integrating HIIT into a training program for weight loss, aim to incorporate it into your routine 1-2 times per week, and combine it with other cardio and strength training exercises.

Start with shorter intervals and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise. It’s also important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly. Additionally, it’s recommended to have a rest day in between HIIT sessions to allow your body to recover.

List of The Best Cardio workouts for weight loss

best cardio exercises for weight loss

Incline walking

For those who might not be able to put immense amount of pressure on their body by running, this exercise can be the best option. Incline Walking can be a great way to burn more calorie while maintaining a moderate amount of pressure on different muscle groups on your legs. This workout will increase muscle endurance and will help you burn as much calories as you would burn when running.

Don’t know where to start? Here’s a beginner weight loss plan you can try.

Another benefit linked to this exercise is that it will not lead to knee pain since it the incline forces you to lift your legs higher and help prevent overreaching with your stride. You can choose a walking path with a modest slope to walk on or you can go to gym and use the facilities there.

Stair Climber

Stair Climber

Another useful workout to engage multiple muscle groups and to burn more calories is stair climber. This exercise is a low impact form of cardio which can help increase muscle endurance in your legs, glues and calves. For those who would like a but more pressure there are special weighted vests that they can use to maximize the pressure. On average this workout can help you burn 350 to 550 calories in just an hour. Please note that if you are facing knee related problems, this workout may not be the best option for you.

Running and Jugging

How to do:

  • Start by warming up with a few minutes of walking or light jogging.
  • Begin jogging or running at a moderate pace, focusing on maintaining good posture and breathing.
  • Gradually increase your speed and/or distance as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
  • Cool down with a few minutes of walking and stretching.

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The reason for this move:

  • Running and jogging are high-impact and effective cardio exercises that can burn a significant number of calories. They can also be done outdoors or on a treadmill They also help improve cardiovascular endurance and can be easily integrated into a daily routine.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Interval Training: Incorporate short bursts of high-intensity running or sprints into your workout to increase the intensity and calorie burn.
  • Hill Training: Running or jogging uphill can help build lower body strength and increase calorie burn.
  • Trail Running: Running on uneven terrain can help improve balance and coordination while also challenging the body in new ways.
  • Group Running: Joining a running group or participating in a race can help provide motivation and social support.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • When integrating running or jogging into a training program for weight loss, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of the exercise. Aim to incorporate running or jogging into your routine 2-3 times per week, and combine it with strength training and a balanced diet for optimal results. It’s also important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly.

Cycling

How to do:

  • Start by adjusting the seat height and handlebar position to fit your body.
  • Begin pedaling at a comfortable pace, focusing on maintaining good posture and breathing.
  • Gradually increase your speed and/or resistance as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
  • Cool down with a few minutes of slow pedaling and stretching.

The reason for this move:

  • Cycling is an effective cardio exercise for weight loss because it can burn a significant number of calories while also improving lower body strength and endurance. It is also a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for those with joint issues or injuries.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Interval Training: Incorporate short bursts of high-intensity cycling into your workout to increase the intensity and calorie burn.
  • Hill Training: Cycling uphill can help build lower body strength and increase calorie burn.
  • Indoor Cycling Classes: Taking a group cycling class can help provide motivation and a structured workout.
  • Outdoor Cycling: Cycling outdoors can provide a change of scenery and fresh air while still providing a great cardio workout.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • When integrating cycling into a training program for weight loss, aim to incorporate it into your routine 2-3 times per week, and combine it with strength training and a balanced diet for optimal results. Start with shorter rides and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise. It’s also important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly.

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Assault Bike

This low impact workout with high intensity is a great cardio exercise for all people. The low impact nature of this workout makes it a great option for beginners and those who might suffer from injuries. You can optimize this workout based on your limits and goals for instance some people might combine this workout with a HIIT training while others might do it moderately.

Swimming

Swimming

How to do:

  • Start by warming up with a few laps of slow and easy swimming.
  • Begin swimming at a comfortable pace, focusing on maintaining good form and breathing.
  • Gradually increase your speed and/or distance as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
  • Cool down with a few laps of slow and easy swimming and stretching.

The reason for this move:

Swimming is one of the best and most great full-body cardio exercises for weight loss because it can burn a significant number of calories while also working for all major muscle groups. It is also a low-impact exercise, making it ideal for those with joint issues or injuries.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Interval Training: Incorporate short bursts of high-intensity swimming into your workout to increase the intensity and calorie burn.
  • Stroke Variations: Try different swimming strokes, such as freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly, to challenge your body in new ways.
  • Pool Workouts: Incorporate resistance exercises, such as using water weights or doing pool sprints, to add variety to your workout.
  • Open Water Swimming: Swimming in natural bodies of water can provide a change of scenery and additional challenges.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • When integrating swimming into a training program for weight loss, aim to incorporate it into your routine 2-3 times per week, and combine it with strength training and a balanced diet for optimal results. Start with shorter swims and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise. It’s also important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly.

Rowing

How to do:

  • Start by sitting on the rowing machine with your feet securely fastened to the foot pedals.
  • Hold the handle with both hands, keeping your arms straight in front of you.
  • Push with your legs, straightening them and pulling the handle towards your chest.
  • Lean back slightly and pause for a moment.
  • Release the handle and return to the starting position.
  • Repeat for several cycles, focusing on maintaining good form and breathing.

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The reason for this move:

  • Rowing is a great and effective cardio exercise for weight loss that works your upper and lower body muscles. It also works all major muscle groups, including your back, arms, legs, and core.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Interval Training: Incorporate short bursts of high-intensity rowing into your workout to increase the intensity and calorie burn.
  • Resistance Training: Adjust the resistance on the rowing machine to add more resistance and challenge your muscles.
  • Speed Variations: Vary your rowing speed to challenge your cardiovascular system and improve your endurance.
  • Rowing Drills: Incorporate rowing drills, such as rowing with one arm or one leg at a time, to add variety to your workout.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • When integrating rowing into a training program for weight loss, aim to incorporate it into your routine 2-3 times per week, and combine it with other cardio and strength training exercises. Start with shorter rows and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the exercise. It’s also important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly. Additionally, it’s recommended to have a rest day in between rowing sessions to allow your body to recover.

benefits of jumping jacks

Jumping jacks

How to do:

  • Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
  • Jump up, spreading your legs shoulder-width apart, and simultaneously raise your arms above your head.
  • Quickly jump back to the starting position, bringing your legs together and lowering your arms to your sides.
  • Repeat for several cycles, focusing on maintaining good form and breathing.

The reason for this move:

  • Jumping jacks are a simple yet effective and excellent cardio exercise for weight loss because they can elevate your heart rate quickly, which helps to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness. They also work the major muscle groups in your body, including your legs, arms, and core.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Variation in arm movements: Instead of raising your arms above your head, you can try variations such as side raises, front raises, or arm circles.
  • Plyometric Jumping Jacks: To increase the intensity, you can incorporate plyometric variations of jumping jacks such as tuck jumps or jumping jacks with a jump squat.
  • Resistance Band Jumping Jacks: You can add resistance by using resistance bands around your ankles, this makes the exercise more challenging and strengthens the muscles in your legs.
  • Modified Jumping Jacks: For beginners or those with knee pain, modified jumping jacks can be done by stepping one leg out at a time, followed by the other leg, rather than jumping.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • Jumping jacks can be an excellent addition to your cardio routine, especially if you are short on time. Aim to include them in your workout for 10-15 minutes per day, or as a warm-up to your strength training workout. As with any exercise, start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration. You can also incorporate them into interval training by doing jumping jacks at high intensity for a short period, followed by a period of rest or lower-intensity exercise. It’s essential to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly.

Burpees

Burpees

How to do:

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides.
  • Lower yourself into a squat position and place your hands on the ground in front of you.
  • Kick your feet back to a plank position, then immediately return to the squat position.
  • Jump up explosively from the squat position and raise your arms above your head.
  • Repeat for several cycles, focusing on maintaining good form and breathing.

The reason for this move:

  • Burpees are an intense full-body exercise that combines strength training and cardio, making them an excellent exercise for weight loss. It can help you burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. They work multiple muscle groups, including your legs, core, arms, and shoulders, and help to improve cardiovascular fitness.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Plyometric Burpees: To increase the intensity, you can incorporate plyometric variations of burpees, such as tuck jumps or jump squats.
  • Single-leg Burpees: This variation involves lifting one leg off the ground while doing the squat jump, alternating legs each time.
  • Push-up Burpees: Instead of going straight to the plank position, lower yourself to the ground and do a push-up before returning to the squat position.
  • Dumbbell Burpees: Holding dumbbells in your hands can make the exercise more challenging and add resistance.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • Burpees can be incorporated into your workout routine as a standalone exercise or as part of a circuit. Start with a few sets of 5-10 burpees and gradually increase the number of reps as your fitness level improves. You can also incorporate them into interval training by doing burpees at high intensity for a short period, followed by a period of rest or lower-intensity exercise. It’s essential to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly.

Mountain Climbers

How to do:

  • Start in a high plank position with your hands and feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep your core engaged and your back straight.
  • Bring your right knee towards your chest as far as you can while keeping your left leg extended behind you.
  • Quickly switch legs, bringing your left knee towards your chest and extending your right leg back.
  • Continue alternating legs for several cycles, keeping your hips down and your core engaged.

The reason for this move:

  • Mountain climbing is one of the best cardio for weight loss that targets multiple muscle groups, including your core, legs, and arms. It helps you to raise your heart rate and burn calories while also working multiple muscle groups, including your core, arms, and legs. This move also helps to improve coordination, balance, and agility.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Cross-body Mountain Climbers: This variation involves bringing your knee to the opposite elbow, targeting your obliques.
  • Spider Mountain Climbers: Instead of bringing your knee to your chest, bring your knee to your elbow on the same side, targeting your obliques and hip flexors.
  • Plyometric Mountain Climbers: This variation involves explosively switching your legs and jumping your feet off the ground, increasing the intensity of the exercise.
  • Slow-Motion Mountain Climbers: This variation involves performing mountain climbers at a slower pace, holding each leg for a few seconds before switching to the other leg.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • Mountain climbers can be incorporated into your workout routine as a standalone exercise or as part of a circuit. Start with a few sets of 30 seconds to 1 minute and gradually increase the duration and intensity as your fitness level improves. You can also incorporate them into interval training by doing mountain climbers at high intensity for a short period, followed by a period of rest or lower-intensity exercise. It’s essential to listen to your body and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly.

Squat Jumps

How to do:

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Lower your body down into a squat position, keeping your knees behind your toes and your back straight.
  • Explosively jump up, extending your arms overhead.
  • Land softly, returning to the squat position.

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The reason for this move:

  • Squat jumps are a plyometric exercise that targets your lower body and helps to increase your heart rate, making them an effective cardio exercise for weight loss. It helps to improve lower body strength and power while also raising your heart rate, making them a great exercise for weight loss. This move targets your glutes, quads, and hamstrings, as well as engages your core and upper body.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Weighted Squat Jumps: Holding a weight or a kettlebell can add resistance to the exercise, increasing the intensity and building strength
  • Tuck Jumps: Instead of extending your arms overhead, bring your knees up towards your chest, targeting your abs and hip flexors
  • Lateral Jumps: Instead of jumping straight up, jump to the side, engaging your inner and outer thighs.
  • Single-Leg Squat Jumps: This variation involves jumping from a single leg, adding an extra challenge to your balance and stability.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • Squat jumps can be incorporated into your workout routine as a standalone exercise or as part of a circuit. Start with a few sets of 10-15 reps and gradually increase the number of reps and sets as your fitness level improves. You can also incorporate them into interval training by doing squat jumps at high intensity for a short period, followed by a period of rest or lower-intensity exercise. It’s important to focus on proper form and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly to prevent injury.

bear crawl push ups

Bear Crawl Push Ups

How to do:

  • Begin in a bear crawl position with your hands and feet on the ground and your hips raised.
  • Lower your body down towards the ground, bending your arms to perform a push-up.
  • Push your body back up, extending your arms.
  • Take one step forward with your right hand and left foot.
  • Repeat the push-up and crawl forward with your left hand and right foot.
  • Continue alternating your crawling and push-up movements.

The reason for this move:

  • Bear Crawl Push Ups are a challenging full-body exercise that combines the bear crawl and push-up movements. It helps to improve upper body and core strength while also engaging your legs and hips. They require coordination and stability, making them a great exercise for building overall body control and athleticism.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Plyometric Push-Ups: Instead of a regular push-up, add a jump at the end to increase the intensity and explosiveness of the movement
  • Single-Leg Bear Crawl: Perform the bear crawl while raising one leg off the ground, adding an extra challenge to your balance and stability.
  • Crawling with Resistance Bands: Add resistance bands around your ankles or wrists to increase the difficulty of the bear crawl movement.
  • Incline/Decline Push-Ups: Performing push-ups with your hands elevated on a box or bench can make the exercise easier while performing them with your feet elevated can make it more challenging.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • Bear Crawl Push Ups can be incorporated into your workout routine as a standalone exercise or as part of a circuit. Start with a few sets of 5-10 reps and gradually increase the number of reps and sets as your fitness level improves. You can also incorporate them into interval training by doing bear crawl push-ups at high intensity for a short period, followed by a period of rest or lower-intensity exercise. As with any exercise, it’s important to focus on proper form and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly to prevent injury.

Kickboxing

How to do:

  • Begin in a fighting stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your fists up by your face.
  • Start with a jab (a quick punch with your lead hand) and follow up with a cross (a punch with your rear hand).
  • Add in kicks, knee strikes, and elbow strikes to target different muscle groups and improve overall body strength and coordination.
  • Move around the space, incorporating footwork and agility drills to enhance cardiovascular endurance.

The reason for this move:

  • Kickboxing is a high-energy, full-body workout and an effective cardiovascular exercise that combines elements of martial arts, boxing, and cardio exercises. It can help to improve overall fitness and body composition. It targets various muscle groups, including the legs, core, and upper body, and can help to increase strength, flexibility, and endurance. Additionally, kickboxing can be a fun and empowering way to relieve stress and improve overall mental well-being.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Shadowboxing: Practice your techniques in the air without a partner or equipment to improve your form, speed, and agility.
  • Bag Work: Incorporate heavy bags or punching pads to increase the intensity and resistance of your strikes and kicks.
  • Partner Drills: Work with a partner to practice defensive and offensive techniques, as well as to increase your reaction time and coordination
  • Jumping Rope: Incorporate jumping rope to enhance footwork, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • Kickboxing can be incorporated into your workout routine as a standalone exercise or as part of a circuit. Start with a few rounds of shadowboxing or bag work, and gradually increase the time and intensity of your sessions. You can also incorporate kickboxing into interval training by performing high-intensity strikes and kicks for a short period, followed by a period of rest or lower-intensity exercise. As with any exercise, it’s important to focus on proper form, wear appropriate protective gear, and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly to prevent injury.

Jumping Rope

How to do:

  • Choose a rope that is the appropriate length for your height and skill level.
  • Begin with the rope behind your heels and start jumping, using your wrists to rotate the rope and your feet to lift off the ground.
  • Focus on maintaining good posture, keeping your core tight, and landing lightly on the balls of your feet.
  • Start with short intervals and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.

The reason for this move:

  • Jumping rope is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that can help to improve coordination, endurance, and agility. It’s also a highly effective way to burn calories and promote weight loss. Additionally, jumping rope is a low-impact exercise that is easy to do at home or on the go, making it a convenient option for those with a busy lifestyle.

How to diversify the movement:

  • Cross jumps: Cross your arms in front of your body as you jump over the rope to engage your core and upper body muscles.
  • Double-unders: Jump high enough to allow the rope to pass underneath your feet twice with each jump for an increased challenge.
  • Jumping variations: Mix up your jumps with one-legged hops, alternating feet, or criss-cross jumps to keep your workout interesting and challenging.
  • Circuit training: Incorporate jumping rope into a circuit workout that includes other exercises such as push-ups, squats, and lunges for a full-body workout.

The best way to integrate into a training plan:

  • Jumping rope can be incorporated into your workout routine as a standalone exercise or as part of a warm-up or cool-down routine. Start with short intervals and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. You can also incorporate jumping rope into interval training by performing high-intensity jumps for a short period, followed by a period of rest or lower-intensity exercise. As with any exercise, it’s important to focus on proper form, wear appropriate footwear, and avoid overtraining or pushing too hard too quickly to prevent injury.
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