A cardio workout is one of the best ways to lose weight. Of course, there are also diets and weight lifting. The first ensures eating less and avoiding those types of foods that can add more weight to the body. The latter burns calories and replaces lost fat with muscle. However, if one wants to burn calories faster and make the heart healthier and stronger, then doing cardiovascular exercise is ideal.
Many routines or exercises could fall into the category of cardio exercises. Going outside for a morning run or walk is counted as one. Joining a gym for an aerobics course is also a good cardio workout. If one finds that staying at home is better, they can have a treadmill or stationary bike as equipment to help them sweat and lose fat. However, whatever routine you do and wherever you do it, the important thing is that it is effective enough to help you lose weight and have a healthy heart.
Before one begins their cardio routine, they must first do some stretching. This will ensure that you do not sustain muscle and bone injuries while doing the workout. Spending about five minutes stretching your major muscle groups and joints before jogging or working out on the treadmill or aerobics mat also primes your circulatory system for heavy use. A little breathing exercise will also prepare the lungs for heavy work.
Another suggestion is to perform not just one or two routines. There should be a combination of three or even more cardio exercises. This is important for more balanced and holistic muscle growth and body conditioning. An example would be getting off the treadmill after a while and trying the elliptical so that your arms and core can be used as well. For runners, who don’t wear any equipment, they should also stop running and do a few minutes of “jumping jacks.” Another great type of cardio combination is the alternate use of light and heavy intensity routines.
Boredom can be a problem when doing cardio. Jogging, especially in very familiar places, can be a monotonous activity. It’s even worse on a treadmill or stationary bike. However, one can beat boredom by making the activity fun. You can use your portable audio player while jogging in the park or you can have someone to join you. While you’re on the treadmill or stationary bike, you can watch your favorite TV show, listen to music, or even read a best-selling novel.
Sure, sweating can make you lose weight, but if you’re not careful enough, you can also lose more than you need to. It is best to have water on hand while doing cardio. Drinking during breaks is important so that the body is sufficiently hydrated during exercises. Water is a natural coolant necessary to avoid burning the body.
