8 Cardio workouts you can do at home
Good news — you don’t have to run for miles, have expensive equipment, or even have a gym membership to get an amazing cardio workout at home. We’ve rounded up a few ways you can work up a sweat in a small space. But first …
What is considered as cardio?
Cardio, short for cardiovascular exercise, is any activity that increases your heart rate such as walking, running, HIIT, and even strength training. It’s not just tied to traditional fitness either — cardio is life. You’re doing cardio when you’re climbing a long flight of stairs, catching up with a fast-walking friend, and dancing at a party. Because our daily lives involve activities where we need to keep up, cardio is essential for keeping us healthy and mobile so we can move with ease.
Benefits of Cardio
There are so many science-backed benefits of exercise and aerobic activity. Here are some top reasons why you should do cardio:
Strengthens your heart & lungs
Reduces risk of heart disease & heart attacks
Boosts your mental health
Improves sleep
Reduces anxiety
Improves cognition (focus, learning, processing, memory, etc.)
What's the best exercise for cardio?
When it comes to cardio, consistency is key. Any physical activity that you love and look forward to is the best cardio exercise. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week (30 minutes a day/5 days a week) or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (15 minutes a day/5 days a week). No need to spend hours on the treadmill just to get your minutes in.
At-Home cardio workouts
Dancing
Who said cardio had to be boring? Turn up the music and dance alone or with friends for the ultimate fitness party.
2. Strength training
More reps and lower weights at a fast pace can amp up your strength and cardio goals at the same time.
3. HIIT
Busy people love HIIT for a good reason — you can get the same fitness benefits in a shorter amount of time with this style of interval training.
4. Treadmill walking & running
If you’re one that does love running or walking for miles, invest in a small walking pad or treadmill at home to get your body moving.
5. Sculpt
If you’re seeking a low-impact alternative to raising your heart rate and building strength, look no further than sculpt. It’s fast-moving and you can do it with and without equipment.
6. Barre
For a blend of sculpt vibes with dance-inspired moves to the beat, look into Barre for another low-impact cardio alternative.
7. Power yoga
Is yoga a cardio workout? Yes, if you move fast enough! Look for styles like power yoga, fast Vinyasa flows, and Ashtanga to challenge yourself athletically.
8. Tabata training
This style of HIIT can be done in four minutes. Seriously. If you have four minutes to spare (and you do), try a Tabata workout and give it all you’ve got.
