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 Enough Exercise?

Is Swimming Enough to Lose Weight?

Is Swimming Enough for Weight Loss & Cardio Fit...

Swimming is a great workout—but is it enough for weight loss or cardio fitness? Here’s how swimming compares, what really counts, and why heart-rate zones matter more than calories burned.

Is Swimming Enough for Weight Loss & Cardio Fit...

Swimming is a great workout—but is it enough for weight loss or cardio fitness? Here’s how swimming compares, what really counts, and why heart-rate zones matter more than calories burned.

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

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

Barre is great for posture, balance, and mobility. But is it enough exercise on its own? We tested it, dug into the science, and found what really counts for your...

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

Barre is great for posture, balance, and mobility. But is it enough exercise on its own? We tested it, dug into the science, and found what really counts for your...

Is Yoga Enough Exercise? (Here’s the Truth)

Is Yoga Enough Exercise? (Here’s the Truth)

Is yoga enough exercise? No. It lowers stress and builds mobility, but it’s not cardio. Learn why yoga is supplemental and how to add the heart health you’re missing.

Is Yoga Enough Exercise? (Here’s the Truth)

Is yoga enough exercise? No. It lowers stress and builds mobility, but it’s not cardio. Learn why yoga is supplemental and how to add the heart health you’re missing.

Pilates class focusing on core strength and posture why Pilates alone isn’t enough exercise for heart health

Is Pilates Enough Exercise to Lose Weight?

You can lose weight doing almost anything. The real question: does Pilates deliver the cardio it promises? Most classes don’t.

Is Pilates Enough Exercise to Lose Weight?

You can lose weight doing almost anything. The real question: does Pilates deliver the cardio it promises? Most classes don’t.

Is Walking Enough Exercise to Lose Weight?

Is Walking Enough Exercise to Lose Weight?

Walking feels like exercise, but it often misses the intensity needed for weight loss. Here’s why most walks fall short — and what to do instead.

Is Walking Enough Exercise to Lose Weight?

Walking feels like exercise, but it often misses the intensity needed for weight loss. Here’s why most walks fall short — and what to do instead.

Can You Lose Fat With Just Lifting Weights?

Can You Lose Fat With Just Lifting Weights?

Yes, lifting alone can burn fat. But without cardio, you’re missing the bigger picture: endurance, recovery, and the heart health that makes fat loss last.

Can You Lose Fat With Just Lifting Weights?

Yes, lifting alone can burn fat. But without cardio, you’re missing the bigger picture: endurance, recovery, and the heart health that makes fat loss last.

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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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