Looking to switch up your fitness routine and focus on a heart-healthy lifestyle? Physical activity, especially cardio, is the key to maintaining and enhancing circulatory health at any age. Cardiovascular exercise involves the strategic movement of muscles—such as the legs, arms, and hips—to boost blood flow and promote the healthy distribution of oxygen throughout the body.
Getting up and moving is essential, as a sedentary lifestyle is one of the underlying sources of poor blood circulation. Read through this list of some of the best cardio workouts to get your heart pumping and blood flowing with each beat.
Jump Rope
Thinking of jump rope may take you back to your childhood days. Can you remember double-dutch sessions with friends in the schoolyard or counting your number of jumps in gym class? This form of heart-pumping exercise has transformed into an ultra-beneficial cardio activity. If your joints and bones are in good shape, consider jumping rope to accelerate your heart rate and strengthen your heart, leg, and arm muscles.
Swimming
Swimming is undoubtedly one of the best cardio workouts to get your heart pumping. This low-impact option delivers the same advantages as higher-impact workouts without putting immense pressure on your body. The benefits are hard to beat, as swimming is suitable for all ages, sizes, abilities, and fitness levels. Simply ramp up the intensity of your strokes or duration in the water to get the best bang for your buck during exercise sessions.
Dance the Day or Night Away
There’s no need to go out for a jog or run when you can move and groove instead. Dance is a physical activity that breaks up the monotony of working out and makes exercising a breeze. You can dance the day or night away with a wide array of forms and styles, turning working out into a fun-filled jam session. Consider tango, ballroom, hip hop, jazz, freestyle, or modern styles or dance-focused workout classes such as Zumba. No worries if you’re not a fan of public dancing; you can give a variety of videos a try in the comfort of your own home.
Walk or Bike Around the Neighborhood
Remember, implementing cardio into an exercise regimen doesn’t mean you need to go hardcore. A brisk walk or a well-paced bike ride are a few simple but effective alternatives for boosting blood circulation. Just lace up your sneakers and head outside to breathe fresh air and explore the outdoors.
All things considered, it’s never too early or too late to begin looking out for your current and future wellness. Consider the above exercises to positively impact your heart health, ensure adequate blood flow, and put a little pep in your step.
