We know that cardiovascular training is undoubtedly an important part of our overall health and ability to function in activities of daily living. The top 5 benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise.

1. Improved Heart Health– By getting the heart pumping at a faster rate regularly you will keep it in shape and healthy.
2. Increased Metabolism – Another reason to perform cardio is for its effects on the metabolism. Along with speeding up your heart rate, cardiovascular exercise also increases the rate of various other processes in the body, also known as your metabolism. Increased metabolism means an easier time maintaining your weight (or losing weight as the case may be).
3. Improved Hormonal Profile – Performing cardiovascular exercise also changes the hormonal profile in your body considerably. It releases “feel good” hormones that will help ease symptoms of depression and fatigue as well as releasing hormones that decrease the appetite.
4. Improved Recovery Ability – Certain types of cardio exercise, usually lower, more moderately paced forms, can decrease your recovery time too. If you have just performed a hard session in the gym, hopping on the treadmill for a walk or light jog will help to remove some of the by-products that were created during the lifting session.
5. Management Of Diabetes – Lastly, for those who have diabetes, cardiovascular exercise helps them manage this condition. By performing the exercise you will increase your muscle’s ability to utilize glucose.
   Those are just a few of the benefits that you will see with regular cardiovascular exercise.
   Please contact me for more information.

Cardio training has its benefits as noted above. 30 minutes of brisk walking (3.5 miles per hour) at a relaxing walk can burn about 140 calories. That equates to 980 calories per week, or nearly 4,000 calories a month. Faster or brisk walks can burn up to 100 calories a mile but make sure you have a good pair of shoes which I spoke of in my running blog.

If you have access to a gym, great cardio options include the rowing machine, stationary bike, and Stairmaster, all of which can burn around 250-350 calories in 30 minutes, depending on your weight. Remember to start slow and use proper form to avoid injury.

When beginning a cardio plan, aim for a couple of days per week to give your body time to recover. Feeling sore afterward is normal, but it will lessen as you continue. If you experience pain right after a workout, try icing the area for 20 minutes and monitor it before resuming.

Don’t forget to include warm-ups with a foam roller and light stretching in your routine, along with a proper cooldown. This can help reduce muscle soreness and keep you feeling your best!

If you want to get on a cardio plan together please contact me for more information.