Best Cardio for Seniors

Hiking in Aspen, CO

I live in Santa Fe, NM and occasionally visit Colorado for skiing, the cooler weather and hiking.  I love a good hike and there are also many great trails in Santa Fe. I went on a great hike near Aspen, CO and it was one of those clear blue sky days with great temperatures.  

I get most of my cardio through tennis, hiking and then the seated rower.  I’ve never been a cyclist or runner but I do see why some people love it.  There are many ways for seniors to get cardio.  Walking is a great cardio exercise if you get at least 150 minutes a week in.  It’s easy on the joints and if you live in hot weather you can walk in a mall.  Swimming is a preferred cardio for many seniors.  The water can add a little resistance and swimming can be good for improving cardiovascular health.  It’s not as good for burning belly fat though as your body wants the fat to insulate your body if you swim in cold water.  I’m not as big on running for seniors, especially on hard pavement as it can be bad on your knees.  If you do run use a track, or better a treadmill.

My top 3 cardio exercises for seniors are biking, the seated rower and hiking.  Biking is great for burning calories, it’s easy on the joints and a great way to test your limits and improve your VO2Max.  

The seated rower I prefer over biking since in addition to the benefits of biking you also work your upper body, which is a plus, and burns 27% more calories than biking, but you have to be inside for the most part when using a rower.  My favorite cardio exercise for seniors is hiking.  Hiking burns calories, improves cardiovascular health and improves balance and strengthens your feet and ankles due to the changing terrain.  Improving the strength in your feet is so important for seniors to help prevent falls.  So if you’re near some trails start hiking!  

Any of these cardio exercises are a plus, so pick one you can do and enjoy. Get in at least 150 minutes of cardio a week.  Your body and heart health will thank you!