Best Cardio Weight Loss Workouts

Aerobic exercises are great for your cardiovascular and lung health, for losing weight, and for burning fat. When combined with a strength training regime and healthy eating habits, you will be on your way to optimum health and longevity. There are many cardiovascular exercises to choose from so variety or boredom should not be a problem. You can also purchase great CDs to listen to while you do your exercises, or to guide you through a specific routine. Here are five of the most popular cardiovascular exercises you can do.

1. Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing for quick weight loss. This is a great exercise for exercising both your upper and lower body. You can do this in a health/fitness club on their ski machine, or out in nature, enjoying the brisk air and great scenery. Your heart rate will increase quickly and you can burn over 300 calories in just half an hour.

2. Elliptical Training

Elliptical training at your local gym or health club. Elliptical machines are available in almost every gym or health club. This is a great way to get into shape and increase your endurance without high impact on your joints. Runners especially like to use this machine as an alternate to running outdoors. An average build person can burn 300 calories in just half an hour.

3. Step Aerobics

Step aerobics for rapid weight loss. Step aerobics are a lot of fun and the only equipment you need is a step pad about 6" high. It's not the easiest workout by any means, but it's not complicated. Your hips, butt, and legs will get a major workout and you can burn up to 400 calories in just half an hour. The easiest way to do stepping is to start with your right foot, step up on the step, step up with your left foot, then step down with your right foot, followed by your left foot. About half way through you can change to starting with your left foot. A good intense workout would be to try to do 40 steps in about two minutes.

4. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing uses a tremendous amount of calories. This exercise isn't for the squeamish and requires training and specialized equipment. It uses the strength and power in your legs and arms and burns almost 400 calories in half an hour. Get adequate training, be careful, and go climb Half Dome at Yosemite National Park!

5. Handball and Racquetball

Handball and racquet ball give you a great workout and they are both quite entertaining. Your heart rate and legs will get a great workout with the sprinting you'll be doing with one of these sports. Go to a health club where you can get training with a personal training and take your time learning to do it well. An average sized person can burn more than 400 calories in just half an hour!