The Importance of Cardio

Cardio exercises are activities that get the heart pumping and make a person breathe harder. Cardio activities are a great way to burn fat and increase metabolism. Studies have also shown that people who perform aerobic activities on a regular basis have lower blood pressures, lower cholesterol levels and healthier body weights than those who do not.

Experts recommend getting at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous cardio activities per day. For the person results, a person should try to get 2.5 hours of moderate activity and 1.5 hours of vigorous activity per week. Moderate activities are activities that increase the heart rate, but still allow a person to carry on a conversation. Examples of such activities include: walking, household chores, dancing and light jogging. Vigorous activities make it impossible for a person to carry on a conversation. Examples of vigorous activities include: jogging of a speed that is greater than 6 MPH, aerobics, basketball and beach volleyball.

In order for people to get the most out of their cardio workouts, they should set small goals. For example, one may set a goal of being able to jog 2 miles in 20 minutes. That person should start off by jogging one mile and adding a quarter of a mile each week until the goal of 2 miles is reached. After a person is able to jog two miles, he or she should work on reducing the time. Setting small goals helps reduce frustration.

People also need to make sure that they take the time to warm up and cool down when doing cardio activities. Warming up loosens up the muscles and prepares the body for working out. Cooling down helps the body return to normal. Additionally, people should also make sure that they stretch before working out. Stretching helps prevent injury and improve performance by increasing flexibility.