Cardiovascular exercises are regarded as boring and tedious, but experts say that if you fail to work on the cardio, there are less chances of successful fitness routine. Apart from weight loss, cardio exercises are credited for increased heart and lungs activity, increase in bone density and reduction of stress.[break]
Regardless of its many benefits, if you’re ignoring cardio exercises because you think that they lack variety and fun, then The Week is here to help you find out that cardio actually can be fun as well as enjoyable.
Keshab Thoker
Many say that there is no “right” cardio exercise, but you should definitely choose the one that you enjoy the most. Though you may not be able to incorporate your favorite in daily routine, you can always make up during the weekends.
Swimming
The more body parts you involve in your workout, the more calories you’ll burn. Swimming, in that case, can be an ideal choice, as it requires a full-body exercise. It’s said that swimming at a steady pace can utilize up to 400 calories per hour. While swimming, one is required to use both upper and lower body parts, maintaining a rigid core throughout the activity. In addition, due to resistance offered by water, you are also required to work harder to push the body at an enhancing body strength and endurance. To top it off, watching yourself frequently in swimwear will help you check on your weight and the extra bulges you need to work on.
Hiking
Walking in natural environment, accompanied by friends and families doesn’t even sound like a fitness idea. But hiking is one of the best ideas to combine your efforts to stay fit while having fun at the same time. For starters, hiking helps strengthen the muscles in your legs as you walk through uneven terrains. Unlike running, walking or hiking doesn’t put a lot of stress on the knees or feet. This is also ideal for someone who is advised to refrain from stressful exercises, as hiking exerts minimum strains on the body.
Futsal
Any outdoors sports can be a refreshing change to a daily fitness routine. But you may not get an appropriate space for many of the sports, and even if you do, it may get way high from your budget. In that case, the new trend of futsal is what you should check out. The indoors version of football with smaller pitch and five members in each team, futsal can be a great way to perform cardio exercises as well as test your fitness level during the game. Opting for futsal at least once a week will give you chance to check on your speed, agility and endurance, and likewise give you motivation to improve on your daily cardio exercises.
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to burn calories, whether indoors or outdoors. It’s regarded as one of the improved cardiovascular fitness regimen, and is credited for decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Improved mental health, increase life-years and strengthening one’s immune system are some of the many advantages of cycling. Stationary bicycles are also equally beneficial, but why not enjoy traveling while you’re cycling at the same time? It can be a great family activity or a social activity with your friends cycling to a nature friendly destination. This way, you can also relax and enjoy your weekend as well as keep a tab on your health.
Dancing
If the last time you let yourself loose and moved your body to the loud music was in your friend’s wedding or some music festival, then you need to realize that dancing can be more than a social activity. Except for professionals, one only wishes to dance if one is in a good mood, and even though you aren’t feeling your best at times, dance can surely lift up your spirits. And in addition to that, dancing can also be a great fitness routine to lose weight while done in conjunction with an aerobic workout. Increments in flexibility, improvement in body balance and bone strength are some of the benefits of dancing.
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