Include Cardio in Your Workouts

Working out is a great way to help tone and shape your body in the ways that many want. Being able to see a new muscle, or see yourself lift a heavier weight can be quite rewarding. Perhaps you have done your first pushup, or you were able to get through an entire yoga session. Doing a fitness routine can be extremely rewarding, and meeting goals can push you to work harder and do more.

If your fitness routine does not involve any forms of cardio, then you should absolutely look at adding it in. For those that do weight lifting, cardio is often overlooked as important. If you don’t enjoy having your heart rate elevated at a consistent rate for an extended period, then you’re going to have to find something that you can enjoy. Cardio is the best form of exercise for your heart and will help keep you healthy for longer.

If you hear cardio and think of running, then it’s no wonder why you might not want to do any cardio. Cardio is not running, although running is a great form of cardio. Any exercise that will keep your heart rate at an elevated level for at least 20 minutes can be used as a form of cardio. Running, biking, walking, rowing, and so forth are all great ways to keep your heart rate elevated.

Each form of cardio is different in terms of its effectiveness for losing weight - running will allow you to burn more calories than walking for the same period of time. However, all forms of cardio are good for your body and your heart and you should find one that you enjoy and include it in your workout routine. You may have to try some different machines or classes to find something that you’ll enjoy.

Ideally, you’ll have at least 120 minutes of cardio a week across all of your workouts. This doesn’t mean you have to take a 2 hour run each week, although you can. More likely you are going to be doing multiple workouts in a week that will add up to 120 minutes. You may walk for 30 minutes everyday that you workout to get to that number, or you may walk for an hour one day, and ride your bike for another.

120 minutes is the minimum amount of time you should be doing dedicated cardio each week. If you can get more than that, then go for it. Especially consider doing more if you’re trying to lose weight or you simply need to build up your ability to hold your cardio for longer - walk every single day and you’ll get above that 120 minutes without having to make many changes in your daily routine.

Your heart is the most important muscle in your body. It is what keeps the rest of your body able to work. There’s absolutely no reason that you shouldn’t be working it out through cardio each week. Your weight is important to be healthy, but if your heart isn’t able to work the way it should then your weight won’t ultimately matter. Do not ignore your heart - you will feel much better by working it out.

Cardio can be a lot of fun - don’t skip it as part of your workout routine. Whatever form of cardio you choose to do, get your heart pumping and keep it happy and healthy.