Cardiovascular Exercise

So, you are ready to start a workout program but don’t know where to begin. 

Cardiovascular (cardio) exercise may be a great place to start. 

Cardio has so many wonderful benefits.  It strengthens your heart and other muscles in your body. It also burns calories, release endorphins to boost your mood, and helps you to sleep better.

Cardio can help you manage high blood pressure, decrease your chances of heart disease and diabetes and can reduce arthritis pain and stiffness.

This doesn’t mean that you have to start out running a long marathon!

If you are a just starting a new program, you may try going for a long walk, or pull your old bike out of the shed.

There is also swimming or just having fun dancing around your house could be a good way to get your heart rate up.

Cardiovascular exercise comes in so many different forms. you just need to find something that will increase your heart rate.

A few more ideas to consider would be kayaking, martial arts, rock climbing or golfing (no cart) that’s cheating!

As you do these activities more often or for longer periods of time you will notice that you start feel better and can do more.

You may be able to increase the activity or change to a more challenging one.

You should try to do cardiovascular exercise for a minimum of 150 minutes per week. Broken down this would be 30-60 minutes per day 5 days per week

Please listen to your body and do not overdue the activity when starting. This may cause you to stop doing the activity.

Remind yourself that you can slow down but just don’t stop!

Just find something that you enjoy that way you will want to stick with it!

If you don’t know where to start, try enlisting a friend or join a club in your community.  You may develop a new love and appreciation for cardio activities.

This could lead you to a more healthy and happy life!