Basics of Cardio Exercise

Answer 1

Cardiovascular exercise offers many health benefits and is a fundamental part of an exercise program. By working cardio into your exercise routine, you can improve your overall health, tone your body and lose weight. Here are the basics of cardio exercise.

What Is Cardio?

Cardiovascular activity, called cardio for short, refers to the heart. Cardiovascular activity, also known as aerobic activity, is any type of exercise that increases your heart rate and accelerates the flow of blood throughout your body. You also breathe deeper and faster during cardiovascular exercise, which increases the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Types of Cardio

There are many ways to engage in cardiovascular activity, whether in a gym, outside or in your own home. Outdoor cardiovascular activities include walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, hiking and more. Indoor cardiovascular activities include treadmill running, using an elliptical, doing a fast-paced workout DVD or walking on a stairmaster. Yoga is one example of exercise that does not qualify as cardio – though it is beneficial, it will not quicken your breathing or increase your heart rate.

Duration and Frequency

Duration describes how long a session of cardiovascular activity lasts, and frequency describes how often that activity is performed. To get the maximum benefits from cardiovascular exercise, it is recommended that you engage in cardio for at least 30 minutes per session, at least five times a week. Always remember to start your workout with a few minutes of low-intensity activity to warm up the body and heart, then cool down with stretches to maintain muscle flexibility.

Why It’s Important

The heart is a muscle, just like any of the other muscles in your body. Cardiovascular exercise improves the condition of your heart and makes it stronger. Cardio helps to keep your arteries clear and also reduces your risk of several dangerous health problems, including Heart disease, Diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

Weight Loss

One of the biggest reasons to engage in cardiovascular exercise is because it’s an efficient way to burn calories and lose weight. Combined with a healthy diet, cardio can help you to lose weight and keep it off. As your body adapts to your regular routine, you’ll get stronger and fitter, increasing your stamina and reducing the fatigue some feel when first beginning an exercise routine.

Other Benefits

In addition to the above benefits, cardio can also help to boost your mood and ward off stress. Cardiovascular exercise stimulates the production of hormones called endorphins, which instantly boost your mood, reduce pain and relieve stress. Studies show that those who regularly engage in cardiovascular activity tend to live longer than those who don’t, according to mayoclinic.com. Not only can you live longer, but regular cardio can help to keep your mobility as you age.