The Creative Guide to Low-Intensity Cardio Exercises

Wait… there are more low-intensity cardio exercises other than walking!?

I won’t lie, walking is the number one most utilized and probably most effective option, but there are many unique variations that you can use.

I’m going to explain several low-intensity alternatives you should consider to constantly combat unwanted weight gain.

How Frequently Should You Use Low-Intensity Cardio?

Like me, you probably want to know the exact amount of days or times you should use low-intensity techniques a week/day…

Well I’m going to give you one of those really annoying answers: it depends on your situation and goals.

If you’re trying to lose weight then you can use low-intensity exercises about 4-6 times a week. If you’re just trying to maintain, about three times a week would be sufficient.

Another great technique for losing weight is to combine both low and high-intensity cardio exercises. In this instance, you would probably only need to use about two or three low-intensity exercises a week.

13 Unique Low-Intensity Cardio Exercises

Surprisingly, there are many low-intensity cardio options that you may have never considered. Below, are some potential exercises you can start using today.

1. Walking
You knew this one was going to be on here! Walking is by far the most popular low-intensity exercises. There isn’t any other exercise as simple as walking. You can do it in many different settings and at many different degrees of difficulty.

2. Incline Walking
To increase the difficulty of a traditional walk simply find an area with hills. Walking on an incline will burn more calories in a shorter duration of time.

3. Ankle Weights
You have probably seen people using ankle weights when walking. This is a suitable option if you’re looking to increase your heart-rate and burn a little more calories.

Ankle weights aren’t going to provide you with groundbreaking results, but it can help.

4. Walking With Light Dumbbells
This technique adds a slight strength training component to walking, and can help you burn many more calories than a traditional walk.

5. Weighted Vest Walking
This is probably the most difficult low-intensity option because there is a strength training component involved. If you simply cannot perform high-intensity cardio for whatever reason, this may be a suitable option for someone looking to lose weight faster.

For even greater difficulty, you can wear a weighted vest and perform your low-intensity walking on an incline.

6. Stationary Bike
If you have access to a gym, you can utilize a stationary bike. These bikes are great for people who are looking for low-impact exercise, but still want to burn some calories.

I definitely would recommend attempting a stationary bike circuit if you’re interested in losing weight in a shorter amount of time. This is not to say that low-intensity methods won’t allow you to lose weight, but it will just take longer.

7. Elliptical Training
I’m not a big fan of the elliptical, but it is definitely a great piece of equipment for low-intensity/low-impact cardio training.

8. Low-Intensity Swimming
Aside from walking, swimming is probably the second best option for low-intensity cardio. Not only will you decrease fat, but you may actually increase lean muscle.

9. Mow the Lawn?!
Yeah, that’s right. Instead of dreading doing chores, you can enjoy them knowing that you’re getting an excellent low-intensity cardio workout. And you will also make your parents/wife happy.

10. Clean Your Room/House!
Believe it or not, actually cleaning your disgusting room can be a great low-intensity workout. You’re not going to burn a massive amount of calories, but there is some incentive.

11. Visit an Amusement Park
Have you ever been to Universal Studios? Spending an entire day at one of these massive amusement parks can be absolutely exhausting, but also an effective low-intensity training technique.

12. Go Check Out the Animals
Visit your local zoo on a hot summer day.

13. Walk an Animal
Grab the leash and take your dog/cat/horse on a walk! This can help you take your mind off the fact that you’re actually exercising.

There are many different low-intensity cardio exercises you can perform in many different environments. Your training should never be repetitive, and you should use these techniques to make sure you never get bored with your workouts.

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