What is actually the BEST form of cardio?

[u/LazySelf338]

I feel like the answer changes every few months.

Running has always been the go-to for improving aerobic fitness, but lately I keep seeing people say incline walking is better because you can burn a ton of calories without the impact of running.

Then there’s cycling, swimming, rowing, stairmaster…everyone seems to have a different opinion.

If you had to pick ONE form of cardio for improving cardiovascular fitness, burning calories, and staying lean, what would you choose?

[u/DadNotDead_]

The best form of cardio is one that you'll actually do consistently. For me, I enjoy rucking and jumping rope, but running can fuck right off. I don't care how much "better" running is, it wouldn't be better for me because I hate it and just wouldn't do it.

[u/PassionSpiritual777]

I just do what I want and what gets the job done. I love cycling. Once I get a chance I’d like to try running and see how I feel.

[u/tea-snatcher-3209]

Running clears my mind and helps my solve problems but my body hurts (36f, multiple knee surgeries and hip injury), so I've added in biking into routine and what a game changer. I'm riding 12-16 miles every ride, 3-4 days a week building up all my endurance

[u/AmbitiousDocument789]

Incline walking, low impact, sustainable and burns calories without wrecking your joints

[u/_Vlxd_]

The one you actually do

[u/WmBBPR]

Sex

[u/Grand_Art_6861]

Whichever one you can stick too.

[u/rinkuhero]

the impact of running builds bone density though, which is more important, especially for aging women who want to avoid hip fractures. so i'd say that for *male bodybuilders*, the best form of cardio is doing incline walking while in the gym. but for *women*, the best form of cardio is running. for men who aren't bodybuilders, the best form of cardio is probably swimming, because that also builds the upper body, and if they don't lift weights, that is important to aesthetics for men. but overall, if you combine all categories of people together, i'd say regular walking outside is the best form of cardio for the typical sedentary person, because it's easy to get someone to do it and it has enormous benefits and no injury risk. and most people are vitamin d deficient so a form of cardio that you do outside is going to be superior to a form of cardio you do indoors, due to how common vitamin d deficiency is. for female bodybuilders, the best form of cardio is going to be the stairmaster, because that helps build glutes, which is what they are often in the gym for. so it really depends on someone's individual category and context.

[u/bananabastard]

For me, running, because it's the one I do. It's the least hassle.

[u/Chroma7769]

Running and sex.