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What are the Different Types of Workout Routines?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

There are countless types of workout routines. They can include dance routines, circuit training, sports like kickboxing, and weight lifting routines. There are, however, three primary categories in which routines may fall into. These include cardiovascular (cardio) training, strength training, and flexibility training. Each of these three types of exercise make up virtually all types of workouts.

Cardio exercises are any kind of exercise that gets the heart rate up and the blood moving. They may include dance routines, walking, swimming, jogging, rolling skating, or kickboxing. These types of workout routines are especially beneficial because they promote heart and lung health and can help ward off certain diseases and conditions when done regularly. Studies have shown that half an hour of cardio exercise at least three days a week cuts the risk of cancer as well as heart disease.

There are many types of workouts that will work the cardiovascular system. They can be found on exercise tapes or in gym classes. Simple movements like walking or running are also types of cardio training.

Push ups can be worked into a jogging routine.
Push ups can be worked into a jogging routine.

Strength training refers to exercises that involve the use of weights or resistance bands. These exercises help to build lean muscle, which in turn helps the body burn more fat and calories. Most gyms have a variety of weight machines, but there are various types of workout routines that use weights as well. They can be found in books, online, or by making up a routine on one’s own.

Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
Jogging provides an aerobic workout.

Flexibility training means exercises that help the body become more flexible over time. This can include yoga routines, or things like Pilates, which combine cardio training with flexibility training in the same workout. These types of workouts are often offered in classes with an instructor and through workout videos, which can be purchased nearly anywhere.

Roller skating is a form of cardiovascular exercise.
Roller skating is a form of cardiovascular exercise.

The best types of workout routines combine all three types of exercise in the same routine. Cardio helps burn calories, while strength training and flexibility training provide leaner muscles and a faster metabolism. All three work together to help the body work at optimum performance.

Workout routines which combine all three elements include various swimming techniques, aerobic exercise routines, and routines found in diet books. Dieters can also come with their own routines by simply including elements from all three exercise groups and putting them in a particular order in which they will be completed.

Discussion Comments

jonrss

I feel a little silly admitting this, but I absolutely love Jazzercise. They opened a studio in my town about a year ago and I have been taking classes for four months.

I have always struggled with my weight and had even more trouble getting results in the gym. I could not stick with anything and gave up quickly. Everything I tried was boring and painful.

But Jazzercise is both fun and high energy. And I love the people I do it with. They are so supportive and funny. We all push each other and I have already lost 15 pounds!

backdraft

If you have not been in the gym for a while it might be a good idea to see a doctor and have a physical before you start any workout routine. The reasons for this are twofold.

First, you want to make sure that you do not have any conditions or problems that would make working out dangerous. The goal is to get healthy, not to tear a tendon or bring on a heart attack.

Second, if you know the state of your health you can start working out in way that targets your weaknesses. Maybe you want to lower your cholesterol or combat joint pain or increase your lung capacity. If you know what you need to work on you can maximize the benefits you get from the gym.

chivebasil

One aspect of fitness and working out that a lot of people overlook is flexibility. But having good flexibility can reduce the risk of energy, makes you look and feel better and even provides energy. For that reason, I do 15 minutes of stretching four times a week.

I have made it an integral part of my workout. When I started I was very inflexible but now that I have been in the routine for a while I can put the palms of my hands on the floor.

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    • Push ups can be worked into a jogging routine.
      By: Sergejs Rahunoks
      Push ups can be worked into a jogging routine.
    • Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
      By: Martinan
      Jogging provides an aerobic workout.
    • Roller skating is a form of cardiovascular exercise.
      By: Lusoimages
      Roller skating is a form of cardiovascular exercise.
    • Most gyms have a variety of exercise machines that can become part of a person's routine.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Most gyms have a variety of exercise machines that can become part of a person's routine.
    • Workout routines may utilize different exercise equipment, such as treadmills.
      By: MaxRiesgo
      Workout routines may utilize different exercise equipment, such as treadmills.
    • Stretching at least three days a week is typically required to increase flexibility.
      By: nyul
      Stretching at least three days a week is typically required to increase flexibility.
    • Workout routines may focus on exercising a specific muscle group.
      By: michaeljung
      Workout routines may focus on exercising a specific muscle group.
    • Some yogis and fitness buffs like to work out in the calm of the great outdoors.
      By: godfer
      Some yogis and fitness buffs like to work out in the calm of the great outdoors.