5 Best Low-Intensity Cardio Workouts for Weight Loss
When you want to lose weight, not every workout has to be super intense to yield results. In fact, low-intensity cardio workouts can be just as productive in your journey toward shedding unwanted pounds. Low-intensity cardio is especially useful for those who seek something easier on the joints or enjoy a slower-paced workout session. That’s why we chatted with the experts to determine the best low-intensity cardio workouts for weight loss. (You can thank us later!)
Walking
Lace up your sneakers and head outdoors or to the treadmill for a brisk walk. This tried-and-true form of cardio can support weight loss while giving your cardiovascular health a solid boost.
“You don’t have to elevate your heart rate to the levels you do while running to achieve weight loss,” explains April Gatlin, senior master coach for STRIDE Fitness. “I would recommend walking for 30-45 minutes to get your blood flowing and burn some calories. Add some inclines in as well to increase that burn!”
Hiking
Hiking is similar to walking and a stellar way to get your fill of low-intensity cardio. Gatlin recommends choosing a trail in the woods or mountains you love and hiking for a few miles.
This physical activity will get you outdoors and help burn calories. In fact, an hour of cross-country hiking for a person who weighs 125 pounds will torch approximately 170 calories, while someone who weighs 155 pounds will burn about 216 calories.
Light Jogging
Light jogging is an excellent choice if you want something a bit more intense than walking while still keeping things low-intensity.
