# cardio

CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cardio
Updated: 2026-07-27

## Definition

physical exercise that makes your heart beat faster to help you get fit and lose weight. It is short for 'cardiovascular' exercise.

For teachers: any form of aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate and improves the efficiency of the circulatory system. Often a clipping of the term 'cardiovascular exercise' or 'cardiography'.

## Examples

- I try to do thirty minutes of cardio every morning.
- The trainer recommended doing some cardio before lifting weights to get the blood flowing and warm up the muscles.
- While high-intensity interval training is efficient, many athletes still incorporate steady-state cardio to build a solid aerobic foundation and improve recovery times between sessions.

## Usage notes

- Commonly functions as an attributive noun in phrases like 'cardio workout' or 'cardio machine'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.