What is Cardio?
We all know exercise is important. Everywhere you go, there is a commercial, social media post, or magazine article talking about how you should exercise. (Including this blog!) However, the type of exercise you do is just as important as how often you work out. An important part of any exercise plan is cardiovascular exercise. Here is why cardio workouts are important.
Cardio is any type of repetitive exercise that gets your heart rate high. This includes running, walking, jumping, dancing, cycling, and swimming. You can also do cardio at the gym on row machines, ellipticals, and stair climbers. There are also specialized classes for cardio like Zumba, step aerobics, kickboxing, and more. Sports that involve a lot of running, like soccer and basketball, are also cardio activities.
The Benefits of Cardio
Improves Heart Health
Cardio is good for your body because it improves your heart health. In fact, cardio is short for cardiovascular, the name that refers to your heart and its blood vessels. When you do cardio, it strengthens your heart and improves your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Helps with Weight Loss
Cardio burns lots of calories, which helps you lose weight. When you include cardio as a part of your weight loss program, you can speed up results because it burns fat as well. You also improve muscle strength when you do cardio, another important way to lose weight.
Lowers Blood Sugar
Cardio helps fight the development of type 2 diabetes. When you do cardio, your blood sugar goes down. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels is essential for good health. However, since your blood sugar drops, it’s important to fuel your body properly before and after each cardio session.
Cardio exercise is a great mood lifter. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which make you feel happy and reduces stress. While you may not feel happy while pushing yourself, the feeling after a good cardio workout is wonderful. Cardio can also help those who suffer from depression manage their symptoms.
Helps You Sleep
If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, then adding cardio to your daily routine can help you get more shut eye.Cardio not only tires out your body, but as mentioned earlier, it relieves stress. This can help clear your mind so you can relax and get the rest you need.
How Often should I do Cardio?
How often you do cardio depends on how difficult the exercise is. You can do moderate exercises like walking and leisurely bike rides every day. More intense sessions like running or stair climbing can be done 3-5 days a week. A beginner may only do cardio 3 days a week. A more advanced athlete may want to do cardio 5 days a week. It’s best to work your way up to intense sessions, so start where you are and increase the volume of your workouts as you get in better shape.
Cardio is important for your overall health. It will help you feel good, look good, and increase your chances of living a long and healthy life. You can split up your workouts if your schedule does not allow for much exercise time. Just get started with something you love and stay consistent. You won’t regret it!
PS- Do not forget to add in weights to your training. As much as we like cardio blasting workouts, adding weight is crucial to fat burning and lean muscle gain. Our short 45 minute sessions give you the best of both worlds and help you lose 8-15 pounds of solid fat in only 14 days...