Health & fitness is more mainstream today than it’s ever been. More and more people are realizing that their body is the most important asset they will ever have. Therefore, it’s important that you take good care of it, and give it the proper attention it needs.
When it comes to ensuring and maintaining your health, one of the best options is to do cardio training.
What Is Cardio Training?
Cardio training involves any activity that requires the use of the large muscle groups of the body in a regular and uninterrupted manner. It elevates the heart rate to between 60 to 85 percent of the fastest heart rate you could get, aka, your maximum heart rate.
Some common cardio exercises include walking, jogging, running, aerobics, cycling, tae bo, swimming and rowing. Cardio training is considered an aerobic exercise as one is required to move from one exercise to another.
What Are the Benefits of Training?
1. Gives Energy to the Body
You can expect more energy and higher endurance after some time of regular cardio training.
2. Prevents Diseases
One could prevent heart disease with regular cardio training. It’s also helpful in preventing other diseases like diabetes, obesity and even high cholesterol. Cardiovascular training strengthens the heart and the lungs, and low to moderate types of cardio exercises are best for people seeking to prevent diseases. Examples of these are walking, speed walking or jogging.
3. Control Your Weight
With cardio training, you are able to burn more calories, which, combined with proper diet, can help burn fat and reduce or maintain weight.
Cardio training helps burn calories. However, this generally depends on your current weight and the kind of cardio training you are undergoing. As with most things, it’s best to consult your physician or trainer first, to determine the proper type of training for your needs.
4. Get Rid of Boredom
Cardio training is fun. It pumps up your system. You will definitely feel more energized and on the go.
Recommendations to Better Enjoy the Benefits of Cardio Training
- Cardio training is essential when you need to improve your overall health. For starters, it’s best to do 30 to 45 minutes of exercise, 3 to 5 days a week. If you are aiming for weight loss, it’s recommended you do 5 days a week. The more frequent you do it; the more likely it is that you will lose weight. However, avoid exhausting yourself too much in exercise. Avoid going beyond 45 minutes. Remember, it has to be done on a regular basis.
- Start now. Walk or ride the bike around the neighborhood. Follow that aerobics video you purchased. Set a goal and follow that goal. At the same time, modify your diet too. Eat healthy food.
- As you increase your fitness level, the intensity of the training must also increase. If you are into jogging or running, increase your speed every 5 minutes for at least a minute or two. It is important that you challenge yourself to avoid getting stuck in a slump.
- Avoid doing cardio before bedtime. You will have a difficult time sleeping if you do so, as the energy level of the body will stay high for sometime.
- If you’re also doing weight training as well, do your cardio right after, not before.
- It’s best to eat a snack 30 minutes before your cardio exercises. Don’t start training on an empty stomach. On the other hand, avoid indulging in large meals before exercise, as well. Just give your body the right amount of fuel it will need to sustain exhausting movements.
- It’s also good to perform your cardio exercises outdoors. This way you can easily interact with nature and breathe fresh air. You can also simply enjoy going around the neighborhood as you get your system healthier. And if you meet your neighbors while you’re out, you might even make some friends in the process.
- Most importantly, be consistent and stick with the training once you have started it. That’s the only way that cardio training will benefit your body and your health in the long run.
