5 Best Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardiovascular exercise helps improve heart and lung health and promotes your cardiovascular system. Whether you are trying to lose weight or just wanting to start or maintain a regular exercise program, cardiovascular exercise is an effective way to burn calories and get a good workout. But what are the best cardiovascular exercises? Which aerobic exercise gives you the best workout, and the most health benefits?

1. Running  Running is an easily accessible and cheap workout that doesn't require gym membership. All you need are a pair of running shoes, and an outdoor environment. Running helps lower blood pressure, strengthens your bones, and is an excellent core body workout. Don't be alarmed if your abs are sore after a good run and don't forget the elusive feeling of a "runner's high" that athletes and running enthusiasts talk about. The only downside of this sport is its high impact which may be taxing on your joints and bones, especially as you age.

2. Swimming  Swimming is a great total body workout that engages all your major muscles. Being in the water allows for instant resistance without having to use weights, and also provides a low impact workout for people. Because of this, swimming and other cardiovascular exercises done in the water, is a great option for physical therapy rehabilitation, arthritis treatment, and many more.

3. Jump Rope  Don't underestimate this nostalgic playground activity. It's actually an excellent cardiovascular exercise that many fitness experts and trainers can agree with. Tone and strengthen your entire body by utilizing the major muscle groups of your lower and upper body while burning up to 1,000 calories an hour. Jumping rope also helps improve agility. This cardiovascular exercise is the most efficient workout, fun and inexpensive.

4. Kickboxing  Another fun total body cardiovascular exercise with influences in martial arts is kickboxing. Many gyms offer classes with basic moves you can even apply for self-defense. Kickboxing improves flexibility and stamina and can burn up to 600 calories an hour.

5. Rowing  The rowing machine is another low impact, total body workout that is easy for anyone to pick up, beginners and advanced alike. The rowing motion engages all major muscle groups in the legs, back, arms and core abs which make this cardiovascular exercise excellent for overall toning. No other exercise equipment works out as many muscle groups as the rowing machine can making this one of the best machines quickly gaining popularity at the gym.

With these five simple and fun cardiovascular exercises, you can get into shape in no time. Make sure to supplement cardiovascular exercise with weight training for maximum effect in caloric burn, fitness gains, and weight loss.