Best cardio exercises to do at home - Beginner

 Beginner exercises do not require previous experience of physical activity or special training to perform. A person can usually increase the intensity as they advance in their cardiovascular ability.

Marching in place

Marching in place can elevate the heart rate, making this exercise a suitable choice for a warm-up or single cardio activity.

To increase the intensity, a person can increase the speed they march or raise the knees higher.

Single leg stand

This exercise works the abdominal muscles.

To perform:

  • Start with the feet together or no more than 3 inches (in) apart.
  • Bend the knees slightly and lift one leg 3–6 in off the floor.
  • Hold this position for 10–15 seconds and return the foot to the floor.
  • Repeat for the opposite leg.

To increase difficulty, a person can lift their leg higher off the floor or jump from one leg to the other more quickly.

Jogging in place

Jogging in place is a simple and effective exercise to increase heart rate. This is also a suitable beginner warm-up activity.

To perform, bounce lightly from one foot to the other. At the same same, swing the arms from side to side.

Air jump rope

The air jump rope requires a person to “swing” an imaginary jump rope in the air. The exercise provides an alternative to jogging in place and is suitable as part of a warm-up routine.

To perform, stand with the feet together and jump up and down while swinging the arms in a circular direction.

Dancing to music

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A person can turn free space into a dancefloor at home.

Dancing to upbeat music can burn calories, while people may find it very enjoyable as an exercise.

Arm circles

A person can perform arm circles while sitting or standing, making them ideal for all skill levels.

To perform:

  • Rotate the arms in a circular motion, both clockwise and counterclockwise. The movement may resemble a butterfly or backstroke.
  • If a person has limited mobility in their arms, they can extend their arms to their sides and draw small circles.

Jumping jacks

Jumping jacks are a beginner cardiovascular exercise that a person can perform almost anywhere.

To perform:

  • Begin with the feet hip-width apart and arms down.
  • Raise the arms out to the sides, straight in the air while jumping out with the feet apart.
  • Jump back into the starting position and land softly on the balls of the feet, bringing the arms back into the body.

A person can increase the exercise intensity by jumping higher or faster. They can also reduce intensity by performing slower or smaller jumping jacks.

Supine snow angel (wipers) exercise

A person should perform this exercise while lying down, which works the abdominal muscles, chest, and shoulders.

To perform:

  • Lie on the back with the feet flat on the ground.
  • Tuck the pelvis slightly to place the lower back on the floor.
  • Extend the arms from the shoulders, slightly bending the hands toward the ears.
  • Slowly raise the hands toward the head to meet each other.
  • Lower the hands to the starting position and repeat.

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