Is it Cardio?

Not every workout raises your heart rate enough to count. This series answers whether popular workouts like yoga, Pilates, and barre meet the cardio standard.

Is It Cardio? Barre, Pilates, Yoga & More Explained

Is barre a cardio workout?

Is Barre a Cardio Workout? (Here’s the Science)

Barre is great for strength and flexibility, but it’s not enough to protect your heart. Learn why moderate to vigorous cardio is the proven foundation for long-term health.

Is Barre a Cardio Workout? (Here’s the Science)

Barre is great for strength and flexibility, but it’s not enough to protect your heart. Learn why moderate to vigorous cardio is the proven foundation for long-term health.

Is Yoga Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Is Yoga Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Yoga builds strength and flexibility, but it’s not enough to give you the stamina and longevity proven to come from cardio.

Is Yoga Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Yoga builds strength and flexibility, but it’s not enough to give you the stamina and longevity proven to come from cardio.

Is Pilates Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Is Pilates Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Pilates is great for core strength and mobility, but without cardio it’s incomplete. Learn why it should be a supplement—not your main workout—and how to fill the gap.

Is Pilates Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Pilates is great for core strength and mobility, but without cardio it’s incomplete. Learn why it should be a supplement—not your main workout—and how to fill the gap.

Is Walking Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Is Walking Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Walking is healthy, but most people don’t walk fast or long enough to get full cardio benefits. Learn how to tell if your walk counts—and what to add if it...

Is Walking Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Walking is healthy, but most people don’t walk fast or long enough to get full cardio benefits. Learn how to tell if your walk counts—and what to add if it...

Is Strength Training Enough Exercise? (Here's the Science)

Is Strength Training Enough Exercise? (Here's t...

Lifting builds strength and muscle, but it’s not enough for heart health. Learn why cardio is the proven foundation for long-term health and how to add it.

Is Strength Training Enough Exercise? (Here's t...

Lifting builds strength and muscle, but it’s not enough for heart health. Learn why cardio is the proven foundation for long-term health and how to add it.

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The Bottom Line on Cardio

If you’ve been wondering whether your favorite workout “counts,” you’re not alone. The truth is, many popular methods provide strength, mobility, or flexibility—but cardio is the foundation that protects your health for life.

Decades of research, led by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, show that consistent moderate to vigorous cardio—at least 30 minutes a day or every other day—adds nearly nine healthy years to your life. That’s not something a once-a-week class or occasional workout can deliver.

Browse the articles in this series to see where your workouts fit in. And if you need a cardio option that’s joint-friendly, compact, and actually fun, check out HupSix—a 30-minute workout designed to deliver the cardiovascular training your body truly needs.

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