Advertisement
Health TopicsFitnessTypes Of Exercise ProgramsCardiovascular Training
question

What does cardio mean?

National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine
answer

Cardio is short for either “cardiovascular” or “cardiorespiratory”. Cardio is a form of aerobic exercise. For a mode of exercise to be considered aerobic, it should (a) be rhythmic in nature, (b) use large muscle groups, and (c) be continuous in nature. Some examples of modes of exercise recommended to improve cardiorespiratory fitness include:

  • Running or jogging
  • Walking
  • Exercising on cardio equipment
  • Swimming
  • Cycling (indoors or outdoors)

Continue Learning about Cardiovascular Training

Does slow exercise burn more fat?
Does slow exercise burn more fat?
You may have heard about working at just the right intensity to hit your "fat-burning zone." Essentially, it means that when you're doing cardio, you ...
Read More
How much cardio should I be doing during the football season?
How much cardio should I be doing during the football season? When training in-season it is importan...
More Answers
Do I have to do 30 mins of cardio all at one time?
No, you can split up your 30 minute workout throughout the day into 2 or 3 sessions.
More Answers
If I do cardio at a higher heart rate than 150 bpm, will I burn muscle?
If I do cardio at a higher heart rate than 150 bpm, will I burn muscle? If you feed yourself properl...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.