Cardio is an important component of a balanced fitness program, but too much cardio can actually be harmful to your body. Cardio is the body’s most efficient way of burning fat and increasing endurance. For this reason, cardio workouts are usually prescribed by the doctor to patients who have had surgery or other illnesses that have slowed their cardiovascular systems down. Cardio is also often prescribed to help burn excess fat in the body, especially around the waist and hips. Proper cardio workouts do not just target the cardio vascular system, however.
A well-balanced cardio routine includes warming-up exercises and cool-down exercises. A good rule of thumb is to include at least one to two minutes of high intensity exercise for the entire cardio workout session. Low intensity cardio exercises should take longer to work out, roughly ten to twelve minutes. Warm-up exercises are meant to increase the body’s endurance for the rigorous rigors of the cardiovascular workout. Warm-up exercises usually involve a gradual increase in the speed and /or the distance of the exercise, while decreasing the intensity during the cool-down period.
One of the best things about cardiovascular routines is that they’re so easy to incorporate into your daily life. A treadmill is a great way to get started, since you can simulate the effects of jogging outside, even if your area does not get a lot of daylight. Cardio workouts on a treadmill are also great because they can be done year round. A treadmill is also a great way to add variety to an exercise routine, since you can vary your workout between different areas of your home. A treadmill is a great way to get started, since you can simulate the effects of jogging outside, even if your area does not get a lot of daylight.
After you’ve warmed up your muscles, it’s time to start warming up for your cardio session! Warming up is the process of reducing the strain on your heart. It’s important to stretch your muscles and give them a good stretch before you begin the cardio routine. Some simple stretches to target the lower body and hips would be a great way to start. They’re relatively easy to do and can burn a lot of calories in a short period of time.
The more muscle you can target during your cardio session, the more calories you will burn. Some great exercises to target the legs include ankle raises, calf raises, and pushups, as well as a few dumbbell curls to build up the biceps and forearms. Cardio is all about using up as much energy as possible, so making sure that your muscles are as strong as possible is key to reducing the amount of fat you need to lose.
By incorporating cardiovascular workouts with your fitness routine, you can greatly improve your overall heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. If you’re not already doing cardio regularly, it’s time to start! Remember that cardio can never be used as a sole part of your fitness routine. You should also include some form of strength training as well. Cardio and strength training can go hand-in-hand to achieve the best results.
