For people who don’t want an excessive amount of muscles, but rather a less risky routine that yields nearly the same result, and is meant to give just the right kind of a healthy body, something else is required.

One of the best options out there is the Cardio workout series, wherein you put your heart to the test and get it running to your desired level. Cardio exercises come in many varied forms and can be performed in just as many ways. The important thing to remember is that these exercises should not be treated as a burden, but rather as something you can enjoy and something you can devote yourself to.

Running

Running can be done in many ways and is enjoyed by thousands of people. This can come in the form of jogging, sprinting, marathon and the like. What’s great about running is that you require no enclosed space dedicated only to this workout like the gym, the schedule is flexible and can be done whenever you have free time. As with any exercise, this has to be done slowly. Speed and distance will come in time.

Cross-Country Skiing

Okay, so you can’t do this in places without snow, unless your gym has equipment that can mimic the motions. But what makes this exercise a great one in Cardio circles is that you work out both your lower and upper body. Add that to the long distance you cover while doing this, and you burn a pretty decent amount of calories.

Bicycling

Possibly one of the most celebrated Cardio exercises in the world, bicycling can be enjoyed indoors but more so outdoors. Peddling cranks up the heat for your leg muscles and allows you to burn calories while enjoying scenic views when doing so outside. It’s also fun when going over hills or through thick forested areas.

Elliptical Trainer

This is one of the most popular Cardio machines in gyms. Your movements feel natural and does not have the impact of the treadmill. And if you want more intensity, just increase the resistance on the machine.

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise for those who want to get their whole body moving. Your body becomes lighter when you are in the water, the resistance when moving is substantial and puts a lot of stress on the muscles. It also challenges your lungs to increase breathe capacity. Just remember not to go into the water when you have a full stomach.

Step Aerobics

While this sounds like an over-used 70’s fad, aerobics is still one of the best Cardio exercises out there. Step Aerobics is for people who like the choreographed movements without the high impact that other kinds demand.

Rowing

Whether using the machine in the gym or rowing in an actual boat, this exercise is very demanding for both the upper and lower body.

Martial Arts

As any Kung-Fu aficionado would know, martial arts come in dozens of forms. From the Chinese, to the Thai, Japanese and Brazilian, all of their esteemed systems have a tendency to demand a lot of movement from the body. This makes them perfect as Cardio exercises and you get to share other cultures.

Walking

Practically the easiest to do out of all in the list, the only way you can’t do this is if you’re injured, have a disability to walk or have no legs. If you are not totally machine dependent, walking composes a big part in our daily routines and you don’t even need to try that hard in order to do it. It can also be a pleasant way to clear the mind.