text: what is the best overall cardio workout?   the best overall cardio workouts burning the greatest amount of calories, simulatanously giving you the greatest peripheral pump to your upper torso and working your heart are cross-country skiing and rock-climbing.    contrary to popular belief non-competitive swimming is not even on the top five due to your buoancy in water.  http://www.preventdisease.com/healthtools/articles/various_sports.html