Updated July 16, 2015.

Your first step is to what kind of activities you'd like to do. The trick is to think about what's accessible to you, what fits your personality and what you'd feel comfortable fitting into your life. If you like to go outdoors, running, cycling, or walking are all good choices.

If you prefer going to the gym, you have access to many more options in the form of machines like  stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, treadmills, rowing machines, stairmasters and more.

For Home Exercisers

For the home exerciser, you can, of course, buy your own treadmill or elliptical trainer, but there are other great options like:

• Exercise Videos
• Online Exercises and Workouts
• Fitness Apps
• A variety of Home Cardio Exercises you can do like jumping rope, jumping jacks, jogging in place, burpees and more.

Getting Started

You have so many choices but, the trouble is, you may not even know what you like yet.  You may have to try several different activities before you find one that works for you.  This is the experiment we all have to take part in and it can be hit or miss so don't be afraid to try something and, if it doesn't work, move on to something else. Just about any activity will work, as long as it involves a movement that gets your heart rate into your Target Heart Rate Zone.

Some Important Tips for Choosing Your Cardio

• There is no 'best' cardio exercise. Just because your friend says running is the BEST doesn't mean you have to do it, especially if running makes you feel like your entire body is falling apart.  Anything that gets your heart rate up fits the bill

• It's not what you do, but how hard you work. Any exercise can be challenging if you make it that way
• Do something you enjoy or at least something you can tolerate. If you hate gym workouts, don't force yourself onto a treadmill. If you like socializing, consider sports, group fitness, working out with a friend or a walking club.
• Choose something you can see yourself doing at least 3 days a week.
• Be flexible and don't be afraid to branch out once you get comfortable with exercise

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