17 Best Cardio Exercises To Do At Home To Burn Calories
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Hey queen! Sooo… you wanna burn calories, feel amazing, and do it all without ever stepping foot in a gym? SAME. 😍 Whether you’re short on time, hate running, or just love the idea of sweating it out at home in your cutest loungewear, I gotchu.
Here are 17 cardio moves that’ll have you torching fat, boosting your mood, and feeling like an absolute boss. Let’s gooo! ✨👇
1. Jumping Jacks 🏃♀️
A classic for a reason—this move works your whole body and gets your heart rate up FAST.
👉 How to do it:
- Stand with your feet together and arms by your sides.
- Jump your feet out wide as you raise your arms overhead.
- Jump back to starting position.
- Repeat for 30–60 seconds.
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2. High Knees 🔥
This is like running in place but wayyyy sassier and more intense. Perfect for fat burn!
👉 How to do it:
- Stand tall, core tight.
- Jog in place, lifting your knees as high as possible towards your chest.
- Pump your arms to keep the energy up.
- Go for 30 seconds, rest, then repeat.
💖 Amp it up with a Jump Rope for bonus cardio!
3. Mountain Climbers ⛰️
Get ready to feel the burn in your core, arms, AND legs. Total body win.
👉 How to do it:
- Start in a plank position with hands under shoulders.
- Drive your right knee towards your chest.
- Switch legs quickly, like you’re “running” horizontally.
- Keep your back flat and core tight for 30–45 seconds.
💖 Protect your knees with a Non-Slip Yoga Mat!
4. Dance Cardio 💃
Literally just DANCE, babe! Burn calories, release stress, and feel fabulous.
👉 How to do it:
- Play your favorite high-energy playlist.
- Move however you feel—think squats, jumps, arm swings, and spins.
- Keep it up for 15–30 minutes (and yes, lip-syncing is encouraged).
💖 Add some Ankle Weights for an extra spicy burn.
5. Burpees 💥
The one we love to hate—but it WORKS, babe. Full-body calorie meltdown incoming.
👉 How to do it:
- Start standing.
- Drop down, place hands on floor, jump your feet back to plank.
- Do a push-up (optional) then jump feet forward.
- Explode up into a jump with arms overhead.
- Repeat for 10–15 reps.
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6. Jump Squats 🍑
Tone those legs and blast calories. Your booty and your heart will thank you.
👉 How to do it:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Lower into a squat, pushing hips back.
- Explode up into a jump, then land softly back into a squat.
- Do 10–15 reps.
💖 Use a Thick Exercise Mat for comfort!
7. Walking Lunges 🚶♀️
Slow and steady but majorly effective for legs, booty, and balance.
👉 How to do it:
- Step one foot forward, lower into a lunge.
- Push through the front heel to rise and bring the back foot forward into the next lunge.
- Alternate sides for 10–20 reps per leg.
💖 Hold Light Dumbbells for extra spice!
8. Shadow Boxing 🥊
Punch, jab, and duck your way to a higher heart rate and killer arms.
👉 How to do it:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, fists up.
- Throw quick punches while keeping your core engaged.
- Mix in squats or lunges for extra fun.
- Go for 1–2 minutes at a time.
💖 Grab these Boxing Gloves to feel like a total baddie.
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9. Stationary Cycling 🚴♀️
If you have a spin bike, this one’s a high-burn, low-impact queen of cardio.
👉 How to do it:
- Warm up for 5 minutes.
- Alternate 1 minute sprint, 1 minute recovery.
- Cool down for 5 minutes. Aim for 20–30 minutes total.
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10. Skaters 🏂 (Side-to-Side Burn)
Skaters are fab for cardio and toning those outer thighs and booty. Plus, you’ll feel like a pro athlete.
👉 How to do it:
- Start standing, hop to the right, landing on your right foot with your left foot behind you.
- Jump to the left, landing on your left foot.
- Keep your chest up and core tight.
- Go for 30–45 seconds.
💖 Protect your knees on a Cushioned Mat.
11. Butt Kicks 🍑 (Feel the Burn, Babe!)
This is literally just running in place while kicking your booty—simple but major fat-burn vibes.
👉 How to do it:
- Jog in place, kicking your heels up towards your glutes.
- Keep your core engaged and move fast.
- Go for 30 seconds, rest, then repeat.
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12. Plank Jacks 🏋️♀️ (Core + Cardio = YES)
This spicy move works your core, legs, and heart all at once.
👉 How to do it:
- Get into a forearm or full plank.
- Jump your feet wide, then back together (like a horizontal jumping jack).
- Keep your hips level.
- Try for 30–45 seconds.
💖 Do it on this Thick Yoga Mat for comfort.
13. Jump Rope 🔥 (Old-School Burn)
Jumping rope torches calories fast—plus it’s FUN.
👉 How to do it:
- Grab your Jump Rope.
- Start with basic jumps, then add speed or criss-cross moves.
- Aim for 1–2 minutes.
14. Fast Feet (Speed Demon Mode) 💨
A killer way to get your heart racing in seconds!
👉 How to do it:
- Stand with knees slightly bent, feet hip-width.
- Quickly run in place, moving feet as fast as possible.
- Do for 20–30 seconds, rest, repeat.
💖 Stay light on your feet with Grippy Shoes.
15. Bear Crawls 🐻 (Total Body Blast)
Yes, you’ll feel like an animal—but you’ll burn like crazy too!
👉 How to do it:
- Get on hands and toes, knees slightly off the ground.
- “Crawl” forward with opposite hand and foot.
- Go forward 4 steps, then backward 4 steps.
- Keep it going for 30 seconds.
💖 Add wrist protection with Workout Gloves.
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16. Step-Ups 🏃♀️ (Leg & Booty Glow Up)
No stepper? No problem—use any sturdy surface at home!
👉 How to do it:
- Step one foot onto the elevated surface.
- Push through the heel to bring both feet up.
- Step back down. Alternate sides for 12–15 reps.
💖 Get a sturdy Workout Step Platform for safety!
17. Standing Oblique Crunches 🔥 (Waistline Magic)
Finish off with something a little less jumpy but still fire.
👉 How to do it:
- Stand tall, hands behind head.
- Lift right knee to right elbow, crunching your side.
- Alternate sides for 20 reps.
💖 Add light Ankle Weights for extra burn.
💖 Conclusion:
And there you have it, babe—17 fun, fat-burning cardio moves you can do anytime, anywhere. The best part? You can mix, match, and slay your own workout vibe every day. No treadmill required. 💃🔥
Stay consistent, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to treat yourself with some cute fitness gear. You’re a QUEEN and your glow-up is already happening!