We’ve spent the last few days talking about all the ways you can get in your daily cardiovascular workout, without limiting yourself to running. The point is cardio can honestly be anything that you want it to be.

Understand the heart rate zone that is right for your personal goals. If you have weight loss or body fat composition goals, then understand how many calories you want to burn, so that you are meeting the exercise objectives that will optimize your cardio.

But don’t get bogged down by thinking that “cardio” is another task that has to be worked into the day. Grab someone you love, get moving and enjoy a smile or two in the process!

Cardio Classes are another excellent way to get in your cardio. The great thing about classes is that they are prolific. It isn’t hard to find one nearby.

Plus, they come in many varieties: boot camp, zumba, step, spinning, kickboxing and more. It’s tough to get bored — and easy to become engaged — as an instructor uses upbeat music and consistent cues to keep you going. What you want to watch out for with classes is making sure they fit your level. Does the class go faster than you can keep up with, or do you feel like you might get hurt (can’t perform a certain movement in the time allowed)?

In that case, either slow down and do your own thing… or ask for a more appropriate class. The alternate can also be true. If you’re more advanced, you might find that you need to speed up or add movement if your heart rate isn’t as high as you’d like.