Cardio workouts are one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular strength and endurance. Cardio workouts also help us maintain a healthy BMI, or body mass index. Cardio exercises help us blast calories and improve energy levels. Many individuals think that all cardio workouts are high impact. While many cardio programs are high impact, there are also many that are low impact to tailor to all levels of fitness. Here are three low-impact ways to do cardio:
- Walking. Walking is one of the most universal and easiest ways to get a good cardio workout. All age groups can participate and all fitness levels can challenge themselves by changing variables and factors within the workout. You can walk up hills if you are outside or increase the incline of the platform on a treadmill. You can walk a brisk 4 mph pace or power walk at a 4.2 mph pace or higher for an even bigger cardio benefit. Seniors can take an easier pace and focus on time spent walking instead of mileage. Workout weight loss plan programs will use walking because everyone can start at their own level and build from that as they get stronger and faster with consistency in training.
- Swimming. Swimming is a great low-impact cardio exercise to engage in. The water displaces any pressure put on the joints so you can train harder in the water without fear of putting strain on your joints. The natural resistance from the water also provides some resistance training in addition to your cardio workout giving you both aerobic and anaerobic benefits. Workout instructor certification is available in aquatic fitness for those who love being in the water. You’ll learn how to transfer other cardio favorites into the pool setting so you can alternate your aquatic workouts from swimming to water aerobics, depending on your training or personal fitness goals.
- Elliptical Training or Indoor Cycling. Elliptical training and indoor cycling are a popular workout routine for women. They are able to get a safe and effective workout indoors and can do a variety of preset programs to match their training level or use them as effective low-impact cross training to support other fitness training. Workout plans for men will also incorporate elliptical training and indoor cycling to help build endurance and stamina. Workout log software can help you keep track of your workouts, the time you spent on cardio machines, and the intensity of your workouts so that you can challenge yourself in new ways next time.
