Cardio (short for cardiovascular) exercise is any time you get your heart rate up. And the benefits of a cardio workout are more than just good for your heart!
Love it or hate it, including a cardio workout in your week is necessary. But don’t worry if you aren’t a fan of running. There are many different cardio workouts that we will find the right one for you.
Health Benefits of Cardio
1. Cardio Keeps Your Heart Healthy
To improve overall cardiovascular health, the CDC recommends a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.
Your cardio workouts of running, jogging, swimming, biking, or even walking briskly can count towards meeting these recommended guidelines.
2. Cardio Boosts Your Mood
Cardiovascular exercise causes your brain to release endorphins, the feel-good chemicals responsible for balancing your mood and keeping depressive thoughts at bay.
Many people cite beginning an exercise regimen as one step they’ve taken to help their overall mental health. Even a brisk walk can noticeably alter your attitude.
3. Cardio Improves Your Immunity
Studies show that Cardio exercise makes your immune system stronger, helping you to reduce your body’s risk of bacterial infection and prevent disease.
4. Cardio helps your circulation
Cardiovascular exercise improves your blood circulation, which helps your body rid itself of toxins better and keeps you healthy.
Poor circulation long-term can lead to problems such as heart attack or stroke, but keeping your circulation functioning properly can help keep these problems from occurring, all while keeping your immune system functioning as it should.
5. Cardio improves sleep quality
If you’re too tired to exercise, you may be looking at the problem from the wrong end. Getting inadequate cardiovascular exercise can actually help you have more energy during the day and sleep better at night.
Be sure to exercise early in the morning if you find that you lack energy during the day but can’t sleep at night.
6. Cardio burns calories
If you start a new cardio regimen, you can see results quickly. Yes, you need strength training to maintain a healthy metabolism, but if you’re pushing yourself to a moderate to high intensity, you’ll burn calories and fat effectively during each cardio workout.
7. Cardio helps keep your bones healthy
Cardiovascular exercise builds bone mass, which can help prevent osteoporosis and other bone-related ailments. Walking and swimming are two low-impact forms of cardio, but jogging and running are more intense, high-impact ways to build bone mass.
Try Different Types Of Cardio Workouts
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Ready for a fun and free 10-Minute Cardio Circuit Workout! Give it a try below!
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