There are plenty of cardio machines at the gym, such as the elliptical and treadmill, but cardio doesn’t always have to be done at the gym. There are plenty of great cardio exercises you can do at home, so if going to the gym in the evenings isn’t an option, you can still get a solid workout.
Jumping rope. This exercise isn’t just for kids. It’s a great exercise that can burn almost 200 calories in 20 minutes. Jump ropes are inexpensive, easy to travel with, and require no special skills. However, jumping rope is considered a high-impact exercise, and it does require a little bit of practice.
Burpees.Burpees are an excellent cardio exercise, and they can burn over 100 cal in 10 minutes if you can do them for that long. To do a burpee, you squat to the floor, jump back to a plank position, jump back forward, stand up, and jump. Because these exercises require no equipment, they’re perfect for anywhere, but they are incredibly difficult.
Jogging in place. Jogging in place only requires a good pair of shoes and something to watch on television or music to listen to while you exercise. Jogging is a great exercise to warm up before more intense workouts, and it is a great way to slip in a few minutes of cardio throughout the day.
Jumping jacks.Finally, jumping jacks are a fun exercise to do as your at-home cardio routine. Jumping jacks can burn about 100 calories in 10 minutes, but they are far easier to perform than burpees. All you have to do is jump the feet wide while bringing your arms overhead and then jump back again.
Just because these exercises are done at home doesn’t mean they are any less effective than the machines at the gym, and it’s still important to fuel your body well regardless of where you are working out. Adding a high-protein snack, such as beef jerky, to your pre- or post-workout routine can ensure your body has the nutrients to help you perform your best.
