Types of Cardiovascular Exercise

As there are several different types of cardiovascular exercise, you have many options to choose from. This article will give you more information on the different varieties of cardiovascular exercises found today.
Cardiovascular exercises are one of the most popular exercises today, meant for physical fitness as well as weight loss. They are also known as aerobic exercises or simply cardio exercises. Cardiovascular exercises are named so, as they are meant to improve the cardiovascular system i.e. the heart and the lungs. These exercises enhance the function of the heart, boost oxygen transportation and consumption and also help improving muscle mass. Due to these benefits of cardiovascular exercise, they are widely followed today. Let us take a look at it in detail.

Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardiovascular exercises can be divided into two types: indoor exercises and the outdoor ones. Sometimes, they are also divided as exercises that are performed by using any equipment or those performed without using any equipment. Let us take a look at the different cardiovascular exercise examples in detail.

Indoor Cardiovascular Exercises
It may not be possible to always go outdoors for exercising due to lack of time or bad weather. In that case, following are the indoor types of cardio exercises that can be performed at home or in the gym.

Indoor Cardio Exercises

Stair Climbing
Stair climbing is one of the most basic type of cardio exercises used for weight loss as well as the overall physical fitness. You can make use of the stairs, climb up and down for 3-4 times a day to burn calories. Stair steppers can also be used for that purpose.

Treadmill
Exercising on the treadmill is one of the most convenient and best cardiovascular workout. You can run, walk or brisk walk on a treadmill indoors, while watching television or reading. The treadmill is specially used for leg exercises and toning leg muscles.

Exercise Bike
Stationary or the exercise bikes are bicycles that are specially designed for stationary exercise. These bikes are so designed that they do not exert much stress on the legs and help in avoiding injury to a great extent.

Elliptical Trainer
The elliptical machines or trainers are exercise machines that are used for stationary walking and jogging purposes. These are weight bearing exercises which are used to tone up the muscles of the leg, arms and the back.

Rowing Machines
The rowing machine is an equipment used to perform an exercise that is similar to rowing a boat. Rowing machine exercises help to tone up legs, arms and abdomen at the same time. It is also one of the most effective cardio exercises to lose belly fat.

Outdoor Cardiovascular Exercises
The following are the cardio exercise routines that can be performed outdoors.

Outdoor Cardio Workouts

Walking
Walking is an exercise that can be performed by people of all age groups. Brisk walking for 15-20 minutes everyday helps in burning off sufficient amounts of calories as well as increases blood circulation. Walking exercise is also weight bearing cardiovascular exercise.

Running and Jogging
One may not be aware but running and jogging helps in enhancing the aerobic capacity of the body. A daily run or a jog for a mile or two help in overall physical fitness as well as weight loss.

Cycling
Cycling is also one of the cardio exercises meant for people of any age group. This is also one of the good exercises to enhance fitness levels. However, the back must be kept straight, the legs should not be strained for better results.

Swimming
Last, but not the least, swimming is one of the best cardiovascular exercise available today. It can be categorized either as indoor as well as outdoor exercises. Swimming daily for 20-30 minutes help in burning around 500 calories. At the same time, it is also an excellent exercise for all parts of the body like the limbs, abdomen, etc.

Apart from the above mentioned ones, jumping, skipping, aerobic dance, skiing, etc. are also some of the effective types of cardiovascular exercise. As there are numerous cardiovascular exercise benefits, you should definitely go for it. Either of these cardiovascular exercises should be performed everyday if you wish to lose weight and have a fit body. However, it should also be noted that in the initial phase, it is better to consult a professional trainer for advise and perform the exercises only under supervision.

Undertaking these exercises is definitely going to help you in the future. Lastly, remember that it is advisable to consult the doctor before going for any exercise regime or weight loss plans and programs. Take care!
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Published: 9/9/2010
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