What's The Best Cardio For Weight Loss?
Cardio is a little bit like Marmite: You either love it or hate it and there's rarely any middle ground.
For some, the thought of running on a treadmill or pounding the pavements is enough to make them break out into a cold sweat.
For others, there's nothing quite like the feeling of getting your heart rate up and working up a sweat. 
So, if you're trying to lose weight, which is the better option? Is cardio or weight training better for weight loss?
The answer, as with most things in life, is that it depends.
If your goal is to lose weight, then you need to create a calorie deficit.
This means that you need to burn more calories than you consume. And, while both cardio and weight training can help you to create a calorie deficit, they do so in different ways.
What is Cardio?
Cardio, or aerobic exercise, is any type of physical activity that increases your heart rate.
This could be walking, running, swimming, cycling, or any other activity that gets your heart pumping.
What's The Best Cardio For Weight Loss?
Running is the best cardio for weight loss
Running is the best cardio for weight loss because it burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time.
Those who run regularly will tell you that it's not easy, but it is definitely worth it.
Not only does running help you to lose weight, but it also has a host of other both physical and mental health benefits... There is nothing quite like throwing your running shoes on and getting out in the fresh air to blast the cobwebs away!
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is another great option for burning calories and losing weight.
HIIT workouts alternate between periods of high-intensity activity and periods of rest, and they can be very effective for people who are trying to lose weight.
Other Great Exercises
- Incline Walking
- Stair Climber
- Rowing
- Assault Bike
- Weight Training
- Boxing
- Kickboxing
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Increase Daily Steps Count
Incline Walking
Incline walking is a great cardio workout that can help you to burn calories and lose weight.
The incline on the treadmill or elliptical machine will make your body work harder, which means that you'll burn more calories in a shorter amount of time.
Stair Climber
Who knew that something as simple as climbing stairs could be such a great workout?
Stair climbers are a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories.
Rowing
Rowing has long since been heralded as one of the best all-around exercises.
Not only is it great for your cardiovascular health, but it's also a great way to tone your arms and legs.
Assault Bike
Assault bikes are a relatively new piece of cardio equipment that has quickly become popular among fitness enthusiasts.
These bikes are great for HIIT workouts and can help you to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.
Weight Training
Weight training is often thought of as "just" a way to build muscle, but it can, in fact, be a really awesome cardio workout.
Lifting weights gets your heart rate up and burns calories, making it a fantastic option for both those looking to build muscle and the people who are trying to lose weight.
Boxing
Boxing began featuring among the top cardio workouts only in recent years.
It is a great full-body workout that helps you to tone your muscles, improve your coordination, and lose weight.
Kickboxing
Along the same line as boxing, kickboxing is another excellent cardio workout.
It's a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories, and it can also help you to build muscle and improve your coordination.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art much like the more widely known Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
It focuses on grappling and ground fighting, and it's a great workout for your entire body.
Increase Daily Steps Count
One of the simplest ways to make sure you're getting enough cardio is to increase your daily steps count.
If you can get in 10,000 steps each day, you'll be well on your way to meeting your weight loss goals.
Cardio Honorable Mentions:
Remember we said that cardio can be anything that gets your heart rate up?
Well, here are some other activities that could be considered cardio:
Dancing
Putting on your favourite tunes and dancing around the room doesn't sound like a workout, right? Wrong!
Dancing is a great cardio workout that can help you to burn calories and have fun at the same time.
Get a group of friends together and have a dance party, or take a dance class to learn some new moves.
Jump Roping
You probably haven't jumped rope since you were a kid, but it's time to break out the rope and give it another try.
Jumping rope is another fab cardio workout that's sure to torch some kcals and get your heart rate up!
Rollerblading or Skating
Another throwback to our childhoods - whether you're skating at an indoor rink or taking a spin around your neighbourhood, this is a great way to get some cardio in.
Plus, it's a lot of fun to boot!
As you can see, there are a lot of great cardio workouts out there that can help you to lose weight.
Thankfully, you don't need to do them all - not all of them will be your cup of tea - pick one or two that you enjoy and make them a part of your regular workout routine.
Wrapping Up:
There are many different types of cardio exercises to choose from, and the best one for you depends on your own personal preferences and goals.
Whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, or just get into better cardiovascular health, there is a cardio workout out there that's perfect for you.
So, go find something that you enjoy doing and get started today!
