1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise

Cardio for Beginners

Beginning an exercise program can be confusing. These resources will teach you the basics of cardio exercise, how to set up a cardio program, how to monitor your intensity and motivate yourself to keep going.
Walking or Stationary Bike for Beginners
These workouts are suggested routines for beginners or those who are sedentary, have never exercised or haven't exercised in a long time. These workouts can be performed on a variety of machines or outside and are designed to ease you into cardio training. To progress, add a few minutes to the workout of your choice each week.
Interval Training for Beginners
These sample workouts are basic interval workouts for beginners, alternating high intensity exercise with low intensity recovery periods. Choose one of the three workouts using the cardio machine of your choice or do the workout outside, if you prefer. The sample workouts are shown on a treadmill.
Interval Training for Beginners 2
This more advanced interval workout will add intensity and help you burn more calories.
Running for Beginners
Running is a great way to exercise--all you need is a good pair of shoes and you can do it anywhere. But, it takes time to build up a solid running program. Learn how to get started with your new running program.
Get Started With Cardio
Learn how to get started with cardio and monitor your intensity with these simple tips for beginners.
Cardio 101
Everything you ever wanted to know about cardio exercise including choosing activities and setting up a regular cardio program.
How to Monitor Your Exercise Intensity
To get the most out of exercise, you should monitor your intensity throughout your workout. This will insure that you are working within your heart rate training zone, thus getting an effective workout without killing yourself. Learn how to monitor your exercise intensity.
Explore Exercise
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise
  4. Exercise for Beginners
  5. Cardio for Beginners

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.