Cardio workouts are a big help if you’re trying to lose weight, but running, walking, cycling, and swimming might not be your cup of tea. If that’s the case, or if you’re just looking to shake up your routine, bodyweight cardio workouts are a great option, routines you can do at home with a minimal amount of equipment to get your heart rate up and burn calories. For the best results, it’s all about choosing the right exercises.
That’s why we asked nine trainers to give us their best cardio exercises for weight loss and rounded them up here, complete with step-by-step instructions. Of course, it’s worth noting that weight loss isn’t only about cardio; strength training builds muscle and boosts your metabolism, which helps you burn more calories even when you’re not working out. And a healthy diet is just as important, so make sure you’re eating plenty of protein to build muscle, fats to keep you full, and carbs to fuel up and stay energized. (It’s also recommended to minimize your intake of ultra-processed foods, which have been shown to lead to weight gain.) Cardio is a key piece of the puzzle, though, both for pure calorie burn for weight loss and general health benefits like staving off heart disease and preventing diabetes.
With all of that said, let’s get ready to break a sweat! Grab some water and throw a couple of these must-do cardio exercises into your routine to help you lose weight.