Who said exercise had to be a chore? Why shouldn’t you have fun while doing it!? We believe that enjoyment is the key to any exercise routine, which is why we created this guide to the top 10 fun cardio workouts you need to try.
Discover why cardio makes up a vital part of any routine, and which activities you can use to build your heart health, lose weight, and have fun; all at the same time.
Cardio––what does it mean and why do you need it?
Let’s keep it simple; the term cardio refers to any type of exercise activity that engages the cardiovascular system (aka your heart, blood and blood vessels). It makes your heart work faster, increases blood flow, and also activates your lungs, causing you to breathe quicker and deeper.
Usually, when you engage in cardio, your body triggers your aerobic exercise system, in which it uses oxygen to break down glucose, amino acids and fat to create fuel for you. This has a number of benefits for you and your health:
Weight loss and fat burning
Probably one of the most noticeable benefits of cardio are its physiological ones when you engage in aerobic exercise, you activate fat-burning processes that allow you to lose weight and look slimmer. Not only that but as you exercise your muscles become more defined
Improves your heart health
Think of cardio as training for your heart. While it might not be noticeable on the outside, cardio is excellent at improving the health of your heart and cardiovascular system. By continuously training, you lower your risk of heart disease and can even increase your life span.
Feel better
Ah, those helpful chemicals. As you exercise, your body releases feel-good hormones such as endorphins that increase your happiness levels.
With all these amazing benefits, what other excuse do you need to put in a good workout?
Top 10 fun cardio exercises
Now, let’s dive straight into the juicy part––our fun cardio activities that’ll leave you wanting more.
1. Dancing
One of the most fun cardio workouts to do at home. Hit play on your favorite tune and bust out your best moves to lower your stress and raise your joy levels.
2. Martial arts
Learn to protect yourself as you build your strength and heart health. Martial arts are the perfect tool for discovering self-discipline, boosting your fitness levels, and looking super cool while you do it.
3. Ultimate frisbee
Grab a few friends, that little round frisbee disk, and head to the local park. Build up your teamwork skills, push yourself to run faster to catch that frisbee, while having great fun with your friends.
4. Swimming
Love the water? So, do we. So, whether you’re on a luxury holiday or at your local pool, swimming is one of the best exercises there is. It’s especially perfect if you’re experiencing any issues with joint pain and need a no-pressure activity.
5. Hiking
There’s nothing like the great outdoors. Choose your favorite uphill walk, lace up those boots, and get trekking. As you hike you’ll see amazing landscapes all around you and breathe in fresh mountain air––good for your lungs, heart, and soul.
6. Jump rope
Head back to your school days with a little jump rope. Reminisce as your skip with nostalgia back to your childhood. Try to recreate those old-school moves, and your heart will feel like it’s no older than 10.
7. Power walking
If you don’t have a mountain handy; power walking will also do the trick. Keep a fast pace as race around town (or through the forest, by the lake, wherever your heart desires). You’ll keep up your heart rate and build your leg muscles as you do.
8. Cycling
The open cycle path is your oyster. Grab your bike––don’t forget that helmet––and hit the road. As you zoom down the lane, leave your worries behind, concentrating only on what’s ahead of you.
9. Trampolining
Who said trampolines were only for kids? Time to get your jump on! Trampolining lets you try out new moves, have fun and boost your fitness all in one.
10. Parkour
One for the lovers of the extreme, parkour is all about movement from one place to another, by using outdoor obstacles. While it’ll take some time to build your skills to pro-level you’ll have unlimited fun doing it, and perhaps you’ll even meet a new community in the meantime.