Best Cardio For Fastest Weight Loss The Ultimate Guide
Written by Jordan Jun 27, 2023 ยท 7 min read
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If you're looking to lose weight quickly and effectively, cardio is your best bet. Cardio, or cardiovascular exercise, is any form of exercise that increases your heart rate and gets your blood pumping. It's great for burning calories and shedding pounds, and there are many different types of cardio to choose from. In this article, we'll be discussing the best cardio for fastest weight loss, including how to do it and the pros and cons of each type.
High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is a type of cardio that involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. HIIT is great for burning calories and building endurance, and it can be done with a variety of exercises, such as running, cycling, or jumping jacks. To do HIIT, start with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of low-intensity exercise, such as jogging or jumping jacks. Then, do 30 seconds to 1 minute of high-intensity exercise, such as sprinting or burpees, followed by 30 seconds to 1 minute of rest or low-intensity exercise, such as walking or marching in place. Repeat this cycle for 10-20 minutes, then cool down with 5-10 minutes of low-intensity exercise. Pros: HIIT is great for burning calories and building endurance, and it can be done with a variety of exercises. It's also a time-efficient workout, as you can get a great workout in just 10-20 minutes. Cons: HIIT can be very intense and may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have any injuries or health conditions. It's important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity over time.
Running
Running is a classic form of cardio that is great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. It's also a great stress-reliever and can be done almost anywhere, with minimal equipment needed. To start running, begin with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of walking or slow jogging. Then, gradually increase your pace to a comfortable running speed, and maintain that pace for 20-30 minutes. Finish with a cool-down of 5-10 minutes of walking or slow jogging. Pros: Running is a great way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. It's also a great stress-reliever and can be done almost anywhere, with minimal equipment needed. Cons: Running can be hard on your joints, especially if you have any injuries or conditions such as arthritis. It's important to wear proper shoes and to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity over time.
Cycling
Cycling is another great form of cardio that is low-impact and easy on your joints. It's great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, and it can be done both indoors and outdoors. To start cycling, begin with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of easy pedaling. Then, gradually increase your resistance and speed to a comfortable level, and maintain that level for 20-30 minutes. Finish with a cool-down of 5-10 minutes of easy pedaling. Pros: Cycling is low-impact and easy on your joints, making it a great option for people with injuries or conditions such as arthritis. It's also great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, and can be done both indoors and outdoors. Cons: Cycling can be expensive if you need to purchase a bike or indoor cycling equipment. It's also important to wear proper safety gear, such as a helmet, when cycling outdoors.
Swimming
Swimming is a great full-body workout that is low-impact and easy on your joints. It's great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, and can be done both indoors and outdoors. To start swimming, begin with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of easy swimming. Then, gradually increase your pace and intensity, and maintain that level for 20-30 minutes. Finish with a cool-down of 5-10 minutes of easy swimming. Pros: Swimming is low-impact and easy on your joints, making it a great option for people with injuries or conditions such as arthritis. It's also a great full-body workout that burns calories and improves cardiovascular health. Cons: Swimming can be difficult if you're not a strong swimmer, and it can be expensive if you need to access a pool or purchase swim gear.
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope is a simple and effective form of cardio that doesn't require any equipment other than a jump rope. It's great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, and can be done almost anywhere. To start jumping rope, begin with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of jumping jacks or easy jumping rope. Then, gradually increase your speed and intensity, and maintain that level for 20-30 minutes. Finish with a cool-down of 5-10 minutes of easy jumping rope. Pros: Jumping rope is a simple and effective form of cardio that doesn't require any equipment other than a jump rope. It's great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, and can be done almost anywhere. Cons: Jumping rope can be hard on your joints, especially if you have any injuries or conditions such as arthritis. It's also important to wear proper shoes and to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity over time.
Step Aerobics
Step aerobics is a fun and effective form of cardio that involves using a step platform to perform a variety of exercises. It's great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, and can be done both indoors and outdoors. To start step aerobics, begin with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of easy stepping. Then, gradually increase your intensity and perform a variety of step exercises, such as step-ups, knee lifts, and side steps. Maintain that level for 20-30 minutes, then finish with a cool-down of 5-10 minutes of easy stepping. Pros: Step aerobics is a fun and effective form of cardio that can be done both indoors and outdoors. It's great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. Cons: Step aerobics can be difficult if you're not familiar with the exercises, and it requires a step platform, which can be expensive.
Elliptical Machine
The elliptical machine is a low-impact cardio machine that is great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. It simulates the motion of running, but without the impact on your joints. To use the elliptical machine, start with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of easy pedaling. Then, gradually increase your resistance and speed to a comfortable level, and maintain that level for 20-30 minutes. Finish with a cool-down of 5-10 minutes of easy pedaling. Pros: The elliptical machine is a low-impact cardio machine that is great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. It simulates the motion of running, but without the impact on your joints. Cons: The elliptical machine can be expensive if you need to purchase one for home use. It's also important to use proper form and avoid leaning on the handles, which can reduce the effectiveness of the workout.
Rowing
Rowing is a full-body workout that is great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. It can be done both indoors and outdoors, and is low-impact and easy on your joints. To start rowing, begin with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of easy rowing. Then, gradually increase your resistance and speed to a comfortable level, and maintain that level for 20-30 minutes. Finish with a cool-down of 5-10 minutes of easy rowing. Pros: Rowing is a full-body workout that is great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. It's low-impact and easy on your joints, and can be done both indoors and outdoors. Cons: Rowing can be difficult if you're not familiar with the technique, and it requires access to a rowing machine or a body of water.
Dancing
Dancing is a fun and effective form of cardio that can be done almost anywhere. It's great for burning calories and improving cardiovascular health, and can be done with a variety of dance styles, such as salsa, hip-hop, or Zumba. To start dancing, begin with a warm-up of 5-10 minutes of easy dancing. Then, gradually increase your intensity and perform a variety of dance moves, such as twists, turns, and jumps. Maintain that level for 20-30 minutes, then finish with