Now for something a bit different.
“Dance cardio is a fun way to keep your heart rate in the zone 2 range,” enthuses Dase. “It involves continuous movement, often with high repetitions of simple steps and rhythms, making it accessible to all fitness levels.”
Breakdancing probably isn’t the best discipline here, but there are all sorts of classes suited to beginners or those with experience: zumba, ballroom, jazz, tap, salsa or traditional folk dances are all popular.
“Ultimately, the style isn’t important, getting your body moving is,” says Dase. “Dance cardio typically involves a 45-60 minute class, with continuous, moderate-intensity moves that engages the core, legs, and arms, without pushing you into high-intensity territory.”
As with everything on this list, keep your inner Swayze under control, and don’t get carried away, big guy.
Rowing
Fitness young man using rowing machine in the gymPixelsEffect
Entering the Boat Race ain’t exactly the demure, zone 2 workout we have in mind. But, as Adomaite explains, just like running, you can get your row on without going all-out
“A 45-minute session on the rowing machine offers a full-body workout that keeps you in zone 2, while being great for endurance and strength,” she says.
Slow, steady work on the rower targets the arms, legs and core while being easy on the joints.
“Set the resistance to a low or moderate level and maintain a steady pace,” Adomaite advises. “A common mistake is letting your form slip as you tire – focus on smooth, controlled movements throughout the session to get the most of your workout.”