Let’s Talk Cardio – What is Cardio & What are the Benefits

Ah, the dreaded cardio. Do you cringe when you hear that word? No need to worry, cardio does not have to be a bad thing. Our bodies need the stimulation that cardio can give us. Cardio keeps our hearts healthy and strong, and trains our bodies to better use our oxygen.

What Is Cardio?

Cardio is short for cardiovascular and is the term most commonly associated with aerobic activity. These aerobic activities are designed to get your heart rate up, get your blood pumping strong and get you breathing harder.

These exercises can vary in intensity based on what your body is trained for. A beginner may have to start at a much lower cardio level than someone who has been training for months or even years.

Cardio does not necessarily have to take place in the gym or in front of an aerobic video. There are many activities that constitute cardiovascular activities that are fun and enjoyable and you won’t even know you’re working out!

Here are a few great ideas for getting in your cardiovascular activity:

• Swimming
• Walking
• Canoeing
• Bicycling
• Jump Rope
• Climbing Stairs
• Dancing

There are many different ways to get your heart pumping and to get your oxygen flowing. If you’re struggling to get into cardio activity or to find the time, there are supplements that support your heart health. Try Cardio Defender to support circulation, blood pressure, and heart health, as well as multiple other health benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Cardio?

There are multiple benefits that come with cardiovascular training and movement. The benefits are both mental and physical. It is also important for you to learn about your body and understand your limits. Know when to stop or slow down.

Heart workouts are great for burning calories and body fat. Incorporating cardio into your workout routine could just help you meet your next fitness goal. It is recommended that you should have about 150 minutes of cardio activity a week. Keep in mind there are many forms of heart activity.

In more detail, here are some of the many benefits of it.

• Hearth Health – It puts your heart to work. During cardio activity, your heart rate is increased and your blood flows much more quickly.
  This trains your heart to pump blood more efficiently. You are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, heart attacks, and other heart-related ailments. Your heart gains strength, which leads to many other benefits and will give you a great quality of life.

• Lighten the Mood – The activity can be a great mood booster. Routine activity releases endorphins to your brain. Endorphins make you feel happier, which leads to a smiling positive day.
  If you have found yourself struggling with foul moods or depression, try a cardio activity and see how it can help you.

• Strong Lungs – Heart activity also trains your lungs and heightens your oxygen capacity levels. You will better be able to climb stairs or take that short walk without feeling out of breath.
  The more you do, the more you are able to train your breathing and your lungs will be able to deliver oxygen more efficiently when it is needed.

More Benefits

• Sleep! – We all often feel like we could use more sleep, but is more sleep the problem or do you just need better sleep? Do you struggle to go to sleep, struggle to stay asleep, or have issues with restlessness and waking through the night?
  Routine cardio activity will help your body wind down so that when you go to bed you are able to sleep. You will sleep and rest much better.

• Reduce Pain & Stiffness – Cardio activity is typically a form of exercise, even if you are fulfilling that activity by swimming or canoeing, and not with the intention of aerobic exercise. Because of the increased blood flow it provides, and the activities involved in general, you will find that your body adapts.
  While you may experience soreness from your specific activity, you are less likely to have extreme issues caused by arthritis or joint pain.

You’ve hopefully learned a bit more about cardio, what cardio is, and the benefits cardio can have in your life. Take what you’ve learned and move forward from here.

Start by taking walks in your free time. Grab your friends or family or even trek out on your own, find a walking path and enjoy the time. Take in the scenery and enjoy the view and the steps toward better health.