Intro
It’s no secret that cardio-respiratory exercise is good for your health, and works as a great tool for burning calories. With that being said, there are literally a million different ways in which you can actually get this type of fitness into your routine. Your mind may immediately jump to the treadmill, but there is so much more than just that.
Cardio can be done inside or outside, and this is one of the things people get hung up on. Some say that it’s better to get your cardio in outside, while others say that working inside is the best. In this post, we’re going to breakdown which might be the best option for you as well as why it may be the best option for you.
Why Do Cardio?
To start, why should you even do cardio? Weight isn’t completely lost, or fat completely burned with cardio. Cardio is really just an addition to a solid training program. However, it’s fantastic for improving your health, recovering, and yes…burning calories.
Do you have to do cardio to see results? Absolutely not, and there are people who swear by not doing it at all. However, it has been shown to improve your overall health and ability to recover. It’s also a measurable way in which you can increase the number of calories you burn on a daily basis.
So, doing cardio is helpful for many reasons and you should consider including some form of it in your routine.
Indoor Cardio
Now, let’s talk about the kinds of cardio that you can do and what is best. We’re going to start with doing cardio indoors. This is more than likely going to be in reference to a gym setting where you have machines and spaces to run around. There are multiple optiosn when it comes to cardio in a gym, as the machines are almost limitless. You have the treadmill, elliptical, rower, stair climber, bike, and much more depending on your gym.
All of these are unique and can be switched out for one another. You won’t find yourself stuck with just one option and that can be helpful for people who get bored easily. It’s also helpful if you find yourself struggling with something like the treadmill. You can always choose the thing that is a little more accessible or comfortable for you. Cardio is cardio!
Some more benefits of this setting are that you can go any time of day. Some people may be uneasy about outdoor cardio at night as it can be a little unsafe. Therefore, having a place that is indoors can really be of benefit.
Some highlights are that there are options and safety involved with indoor cardio. This may be a super attractive thing for some people, which will help them stay consistent with a routine!
Outdoor Cardio
Outdoor cardio can be interesting. This can involve getting out for a run, going to the park, or even hiking. Cardio is considered anything that gets your heart rate to increase, and the outdoors is a phenomenal place to do so. It doesn’t have to be anything formal like running 5 miles, it just needs to work you out. This is where you can be creative and pickup things like hiking, biking, or even a hobby that involves some form of cardio. Yes, outdoor cardio could even be working for a lawn service.
The point is that you move and have way of keeping up with that physical activity.
There are also some benefits to outdoor cardio that you won’t find with the indoor options. One of which is the natural exposure to sunlight, which will help to boost your natural vitamin D levels. This vitamin is important for things like mood and immune health, so it’s not something you want to miss out on. You will also notice that exercise outdoors is very stress-relieving. Exposure to nature can have some benefits when it comes to stress management, so why not get this in as a workout?
This may not be a favorite for everyone, as not all people enjoy the outdoors. However, it is a great option if this setting is something you thrive in.
Which is Better?
So, you’re probably wondering which of these cardio forms is best. Well, that totally comes down to you and your preferences. Like stated earlier, cardio is cardio. This means that no matter the setting, you can reap the benefits of performing cardiovascular exercise. The important thing is that you find what you like, as this is going to help you stay consistent in your efforts. If you constantly force yourself to do the thing that you hate, you’ll never stick with it. Instead find what feels good and roll with it.
Closing Thoughts
One form of cardio isn’t the best here. Whether it’s on the treadmill or riding a bike down a mountain, it’s going to give you the benefits associated with cardiovascular exercise. Choose what works with your schedule and keeps you motivated, as this is going to be your golden ticket to success. Have fun with it and do what you like!