5 of the Best Cardio Workouts for Men Over 50

As we get older, it’s important to stay active and continue to work on our physical fitness. While you don’t need to squat hundreds of pounds or run marathons, your overall health can be significantly impacted by what you do (or don’t do in the gym).

However, if you’re over 50 years old, you may be concerned about starting a workout program that’s both beneficial and safe. After all, what’s the point of working out if it only causes more problems?

We hear you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top five cardio workouts for men over 50.

1. Aquatics

Aquatic workouts can be incredibly beneficial for men of all ages. For those who suffer from mobility issues or pain from arthritis, aquatic exercises can be a safe way to improve their functionality. 

However, the best cardio workout for men in the pool with likely come from swimming laps. It’s low impact and can be entirely self-paced. We recommend starting out slow and finding your rhythm, and increasing your speed and intensity over time. 

2. Rowing

One of the best cardio workouts for men can be found on a rowing machine. This cardio machine provides another low-impact form of exercise. However, a rowing machine will naturally improve both your cardiovascular health as well as your lean muscle mass. 

You can use the rowing machine at varying intensities. You can set a slow, methodic pace or increase the intensity by performing intervals. 

3. Walking 

Did you know that of all the different types of cardio, walking can be the most beneficial for burning fat? We know, it sounds ludicrous. However walking is one of the few forms of exercise that doesn’t increase the production of cortisol in our bodies.

Cortisol, as you may or may not know, is a stress hormone that can lead to increased belly fat. Walking is one of the best cardio workouts for men at home who can use a treadmill or their neighborhood streets to get in some exercise. 

4. Cycling 

Cycling is another one of the most common cardio workouts for men over 50. Cycling minimizes impact on the body and provides a great way to build lean muscle mass in the legs while improving your cardiovascular endurance. 

Cycling can be used for long-distance endurance exercise or integrated with intervals. For example, you can bike hard for 30 seconds, reduce your speed, and recover for 90 seconds, then repeat five to 10 times for a challenging cardio workout. Intervals are completely customizable and can be designed for your individual fitness level.

5. Cross-Training

Finally, men looking to build or maintain lean muscle mass while getting in a great cardio workout can look to cross-training. Cross-training mixes resistance training with cardio. A sample cross-training workout could look like this:

• 30-second jog on the treadmill
• 30 squats
• 20 pushups
• 20 situps
• Repeat for three to five rounds

Cross-training is common in group exercise classes but can be customized endlessly to increase or decrease intensity. They can also be modified for individual limitations, weaknesses, etc.

Looking for More Cardio Workouts for Men and Women?

Are you looking to improve your health? We provide strength and cardio workouts for men and women who are 35 years or older. Our top priority is to help people like you reach your fitness goals safely and effectively. 

For more information, contact us today or take a look at our class schedule. We look forward to working with you!