Health Map Survey: Which Is People's Favorite Cardio Activity?
Cardio. Whether you love it or hate it, you know it changes your body. It's not only good for your waistline, but a good heart pump can boost your memory, lower cholesterol, and lift your libido (via Cleveland Clinic). Thanks to technology, you have so many options to choose from according to your goals. If you're a runner, you can head outside for your morning cardio or opt inside on the treadmill while catching up on "Star Trek: Picard." If you love running but don't want the impact, the elliptical was invented just for you (via Precor).
Cyclists can reduce the impact on the joints while boosting strength and stamina (via Better Health Channel). You can get a full-body workout during a great swim while also getting a meditative benefit (via Psychologies). Or you can get your 150 weekly minutes of cardio by doing something you learned when you were two–walking. Walking can improve your mood, energy, and immune system just by putting one foot in front of the other (via Mayo Clinic).
What's your favorite cardio? In our exclusive Health Map survey, we asked more than 600 people for their choice. The answers might surprise you.
Walking surpasses all
A whopping 55% of respondents preferred walking as their favorite cardio. According to The Conversation, four out of five exercise experts agreed. Walking for more than 10 minutes at three miles an hour reduces your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and anxiety. Walking also makes you feel a part of a community–dog owners especially. If the pollution in your area is too much for you, you can opt for a treadmill or walk in a shopping mall.
The distant second? Swimming, with 14% of the votes. Even though swimming requires access to a pool and perhaps lessons, you can help manage stress and improve your sleep from a regular swim routine, according to Healthline.
Just behind swimming is running, with roughly 13% of the votes. Running can give you the cardio benefits in as little as five to 10 minutes, according to Shape. Each run decreases your resting heart rate, which is great for your cardiovascular system.
Cycling scored almost 12% of the respondents as their favorite, and the elliptical? Well, that's a favorite among just 5% of our respondents.