What Counts as Cardio (and What Doesn't)

Cardio is good for us.

Weneed bothcardioandstrength training for basic health, as well as our athletic goals.

But what actually counts as cardio?

Can you count walking?

Anything so long as youre in the right zone?

Let me break it down.

What is the definition of cardio?

Cardio is anicknamefor a certain rough category of exercise, and it doesn’t have a precise definition.

Brisk walking, running, bicycling, jumping rope, and swimming are all examples.

Aerobic activity causes a persons heart to beat faster, and they will breathe harder than normal.

That matches how most fitness professionals use the term.

No, there isnt a strict dividing line between what counts as cardio and what doesnt.

(Vigorous is 70-85%.)

So take that with a grain of salt.

If you want to get health benefits from cardio, you may want to pay more attention to intensity.

TheNorwegian 4x4is an accessible cardio workout that features plenty of vigorous work.

Yes, in the sense that it meets the minimum guidelines.

But if you have athletic goals,walking alone is probably not enough to achieve them.

Remember, cardio has to be rhythmic and sustained.

So three sets of 10 on the chest press machine isdefinitelynot cardio.

And no, I wont change my answer based on what your heart rate monitor says.

So what are those exceptions I mentioned?

Exercising with weights can count as cardio if it meets the definition: rhythmic and sustained.

Most people dont do this!

I would also categorize thekettlebell ladder workoutas a form of cardio.

Hopefully these examples help you choose some exercise to do.