Try These Activities to Amp up Your Cardio

Want to build a body that you'll love? The best thing you can do for your figure is also one of the most convenient — cardio! Also known as aerobic or cardiovascular exercise, cardio includes any type of exercise that kicks your heart rate up — which is vital for burning calories and losing weight.

How can you amp up your cardio? That's completely up to you! There are many excellent cardiovascular activities out there that you can do indoors or outdoors, alone or with a friend. If you're new to my program, I suggest starting with indoor or power walking, light jogging, or even alternating between the two, until you get your body used to activity. Swimming and water aerobics are also highly effective forms of cardio (and toning) exercise — particularly if you have joint or knee problems. If you're feeling adventurous, try in-line skating, a salsa dance class, or kickboxing. Call a friend who's also trying to get in shape and ask her to join you on a bike ride or in a game of tennis! The possibilities are endless!

Don't forget: You can also squeeze in cardio in the privacy of your home, especially if you own a treadmill or an elliptical machine. Or you can pop a workout DVD in your TV or computer and work up a sweat that way. The best part about cardio is that your metabolism stays charged for up to two hours after your workout ends, so you'll continue to burn fat and calories even after you've stopped exercising!