Many ways to have a healthy heart!

Running, walking, and cycling are the first things that most people think about when they think of cardiovascular (cardio) exercises. Yes, these are excellent ways to increase the heart rate, but they are not for everyone. Cardio should be a key part of your healthy lifestyle. Luckily, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach.

If you’re looking to incorporate more cardio into your exercise routine try the following activities:

• Jump Rope
• Dancing
• Organised Sports
• Power Walking
• Boxing
• Trampoline-ing
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Hula-Hooping
• Jumping Jacks

Once your heart rate increases you’re good to go! Don’t know what your target heart rate should be? Check out this article. It’s also helpful to get a Smartwatch or Fitness tracker to measure your heart rate, make sure you’re in the right “zone” and track your progress over time. Check our Partners List for the best place to get one, along with Instant Savings for HNI Savings Card Members.

Think outside the box and try something new with these fun cardio options. The key to improvement is consistency, and the key to consistency is discovering an activity that you enjoy and including it in your workout plan.

Once you find an exercise you love, you’ll be having so much fun that you’ll have to be reminded that you’re improving your health, too!