Five Cardio Workouts to Break Boredom and Lose Weight

Aerobic exercises are great for your cardiovascular and lung health, for losing weight, and for burning fat, but the challenge is how to maintain commitment and prevent burn-out. A powerful key to combat burnout is variety in exercise choice.

Fortunately, there are many cardiovascular exercises to choose from. Here are five suggestions for cardio exercises you can do:


1. Basketball

Even if you can't shoot a basket to save your life, you can still participate in basketball. This is a great exercise for exercising both your upper and lower body.  Your heart rate will increase with constant movement up and down the court, burning calories.  


2. Handball and Raquet Ball

Another full body workout can be had with either of these sports. Your heart rate and legs will get a great workout with the sprinting you'll be doing. Don't be afraid to look foolish starting out. The time learning to do it well is worth the investment.  An average sized person can burn more than 400 calories in just half an hour!

3. Elliptical Trainer

Boring is the first word that comes to mind with the elliptical trainer; however, this machine is a great way to get into shape and increase your endurance without high impact on your joints. Try this tool as an alternative to running outdoors or on the treadmill. An average build person can burn 300 calories in just half an hour.

4. Step Aerobics

Step aerobics are a lot of fun and the only equipment you need is a height adjustable step.  Your hips, glutes, and legs will get a major workout and you can burn up to 400 calories in just half an hour.  Most classes include upper body movements coordinated with step moves giving some full body workout benefit. A good intense workout would be to try to do 40 steps in about two minutes.

5. Rock Climbing

Climbing gyms have become more popular. Find a buddy or a group to try out rock climbing. Climbing gyms provide training and equipment. You'll find people at all skill levels in these gyms.

Rock climbing uses the strength and power in your legs and arms and burns almost 400 calories in half an hour.  Your arms will be well worked out and sore after a good climb.