For beginners to cardio, the only goal you have to set for yourself is to do it consistently so you can build your exercise habits
Art by Tricia Guevara
To get yourself accustomed to working out, it’s important to start with the basics—and by that we mean cardio exercises because they are essential components of every exercise.
Cardio is any exercise that raises your heart rate. For beginners, the only goal you have to set for yourself is to do it consistently so you can build your exercise habits. Once you’ve gotten into the groove then you can create your own goals. Here are three cardio exercises you can start with:
Skater jumps
Skater jumps are suited for beginners because they’re simple and only require you to move from side to side. All you have to do is jump in a pattern that will shift your bodyweight from one side to another to target your legs, glutes, and hip joints. If you do it often, you’ll develop lower body balance and prevent leg injuries as well.
Three tips to master skater jumps
- Keep your back flat and your chest facing upwards
- Swing your arms every time you land
- Jump as high as you can
Squat jumps
Squat jumps are bodyweight moves that increase lower body muscle strength and heart rate. The challenge is that you’re forced to balance your bodyweight, which benefits your core, abs, and back muscles. Since it promotes proper balance, squat jumps also fix your posture. This exercise is good for beginners because it’s a stepping stone for other complex leg and ab workouts.
Three tips to master squat jumps
- Complete your warm-up first
- Follow the right form by slightly bending your knees
- Once you land, immediately repeat the next jump so you don’t lose momentum
Rotational jacks
Rotational jacks is a mix of jump, squats, and body twist exercises that spike up the heart rate and invigorates muscles. Because it’s a combination of three movements, it works your core, quads, hamstrings, butt, and back. Once you get the hang of rotational jacks, you’ll see an improvement in your rhythm, muscle coordination, balance, timing, and posture.
Three tips to master rotational jacks
- Follow the right squat position when landing
- Jump into the starting position (with your knees and hands together) after every turn
- Always switch your arms and jump as high as you can