11 Things You Never Figured Were Cardio

Running and cycling not really your idea of fun? Still want to be active? Then try stuff you’ll enjoy!

What Is Cardio, Anyway?

Cardio is any activity that gets your heart rate up. All you have to do is do something that gets your heart rate up.

Stop translating cardio as running or anything else you hate. All of the below activities qualify. The number of calories burned is per half hour and for a 145 lbs (65 kg) person.

11. Playing Tag – 90 kcal

Eeny, meeny, miney, moe – you can play it with kids but who says grown-ups don’t get as much enjoyment out of it?

10. Poor Man’s Paddleball – 92 kcal

I loved doing this as a kid. All you need is a tennis ball and a wall. Put some paint on the ball and you’ll create modern art in the process. Just kidding.

9. Dodgeball – 95 kcal

A ball (or a couple), two teams and there you go.

8. Video Games – 100 kcal

Huh, what? Yes, active video games like WiiFit Step Aerobics or Dance Dance Revolution get your heart rate up and burn a fair amount of calories. Playing Wii Archery not so much.

Putting this video in here for the sheer cuteness of the two:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jLy0gPlRA0

7. Frisbee – 102 kcal

If you are supergood at this it consists of just standing around and holding out your hand. If you are a mortal like the rest of us, you cover loads of ground. And calories.

6. Trampolining – 120 kcal

I never get too old for this. When I was 6, I broke down my bed using it as an impromptu trampoline.

When you got the hang of it and know what you are doing you can ramp it up hard style:

5. Dancing – 153 kcal

Turn on the music and act like millions are watching. Of course, channeling Rita Ora in her wildest gyrations burns more than impersonating Indian temple dancers.

4. Skateboarding – 170 kcal

Had some unpleasant experiences with a skateboard that involved my tailbone. But if you are better than me you’ll a) get your heart rate up, b) burn calories and c) improve flexibility and body control.

3. Hula Hoop – 205 kcal

Perhaps I have to explain this to 95% of those under 30: a large hoop you twirl around the waist. Break records for how long you can keep it twirling or do amazing stuff with the hoop! It’s exhilarating and gets many smaller stabilizers into the game.

2. Swimming – 205 kcal

No-brainer? Maybe. But I know people who thought cardio is gruesome and swimming is fun, so swimming can’t be cardio. Swimming is also a full-body workout because it trains many, many muscles.

1. Kickboxing – 342 kcal

And most other forms of martial arts. Burn calories, get fitter and learn to kick some butt on the way. So much win!

Picture courtesy of “acevvvedo“.