What is the Best CARDIO exercise? – Running, Bicycling, Elliptical, Swimming ?

There are many choices on Cardio exercises in the gym; but I will narrow down to 4 choices: (1) Running; (2) Bicycling; (3) Elliptical; & (4) Swimming. I will compare Pros and Cons of each choice.

(1) Running
a. Pros
No tools or machines are needed. It is very effective on calorie burning. A 30-minute slow running can burn 300 calories for a 135 lbs woman and a little more for a 175 lbs man. Especially, on the Treadmill, you can select different options such as speed, degree of the slope, and time.

b. Cons
The impact from the surface could create too much pressure on the joints, the knees,

(2) Bicycling
a. Pros
It is also good for effective calorie burning- 200 calories for 135 lbs woman and more for a heavier man. It works on Arms and Glutes as well.

b. Cons
The wrong posture could hurt the back- keep the back straight. Forget the Tour De France riders- they are professionals riding against time.
Good bikes can be costly- over $1,000. If you have a gym membership, be sure to take advantage of its stationary bikes.

(3) Elliptical Machine
a. Pros
It provides a total body workout. Especially, the ones with arm movements can be used as a simple warm-up exercise as well.
It burns about 200 calories for 30 minutes.

b. Cons
It might take a little while to get used to the different movements of the legs.

(4) Swimming
a. Pros
Swimming is an all-around body exercise. It works on your shoulders, back, quads, and abs. It is a very effective cardio exercise because it forces you to breathe at the right interval. You also learn how to coordinate the movements of your arms and legs.
Swimming is good for the people with joint problems, especially in the knees.
Recreational swimming can burn roughly 300 calories for 30 minutes.

b. Cons
Obviously, you need an indoor pool for cold weather.
If you do not know how to swim, start with a kickboard and a buoy.

I will post more blogs on swimming to help you learn how to swim as a beginner.