cardio

1 of 2

adjective

car·​dio ˈkär-dē-(ˌ)ō 

: cardiovascular sense 2

cardio exercises

cardio

2 of 2

noun

: cardiovascular exercise

30 minutes of cardio daily

Examples of cardio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Fredericson said the activity pushes the body into the cardio sweet spot of roughly 60 to 70 percent of max heart rate, and noted that research shows carrying heavy loads over complex terrain elevates cardiorespiratory demand. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

The AeroPilates Reformer helps tone muscles, improve flexibility and boost cardio health with customizable intensity for full-body workouts. — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

Noun

Cardio Workout Tips for People Over 55 Each of these cardio moves can be performed on their own or combined with other exercises to create a heart-pumping HIIT circuit. — Jenessa Connor, Health, 17 July 2026

Her workout regimen is rounded out by cardio, which includes weekend tennis matches and near-daily walks. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1972, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1987, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cardio

1 of 2 adjective

car·​dio ˈkärd-ē-(ˌ)ō 

: cardiovascular sense 2

cardio exercises

worked out on cardio machines

cardio

2 of 2 noun

: cardiovascular exercise

30 minutes of cardio daily