Do Cardio

Running for more than a few minutes is not really something that many people look forward to. Sure, there are people out there that love to run. Similarly, there are people out there that love to bike. There are people that prefer not to run if they don’t have to as well. Some people really look forward to a long cardio session, while others would rather avoid it altogether - you’re not a bad person if you feel like this.

First off, any type of exercise that you can get in throughout the course of the week is better than none at all. If you’re currently in a place where you don’t get any type of exercise, the first step is to make a few minutes each day and get in some type of activity that gets your heart pumping. Depending on your current weight and activity level, you’ll have to adapt your activity accordingly.

If you’re carrying a lot of extra weight, or you don’t have a very good base for exercise, then you should almost certainly start your exercise journey with walking. Get yourself down to a weight that allows you more easily to take on harder forms of exercise. Do not start by trying to run if you’re not ready for it - you’ll make yourself hate running and you have a very high chance for injury as well.

After you’ve got into a good walking routine, or if you’re already in a place where you can do some more strenuous exercises, it’s important to find something that you enjoy doing. If you like to run, then run. However, running is only one form of cardiovascular exercise that you can choose, and many people find that they simply don’t enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy running try some other exercises.

For example, you may find that getting on a bike is really fun. Or you may find that you like to jump rope (note that this can be hard on your knees and joints, so be careful and start slowly). You may find that you like to do some type of interval training where you push yourself hard for a period of time and then take a break in between sets. Whatever the case may be, find something that you actually enjoy doing.

Cardio is important for your heart to stay healthy. While cardio can assist in losing weight, you’ll be able to do far more to lose weight in the kitchen by eating correctly than you will by trying to burn those calories off. Cardio should be a part of your exercise routine to help you live a longer life - it keeps your heart strong. Your heart will have to work harder to pump blood through your body during cardio.

Finding a routine that you enjoy doing is key. If you dread your cardio sessions, you’re far more likely to skip them. That is true for any type of exercise, not just cardio. Find exercises that you enjoy doing. Who cares if it’s not what other people might consider cool - if you want to jump on a trampoline or roller skate or rollerblade for your cardio sessions because you like it, then go for it. What’s important is that you stick to it.

Keep your heart healthy and strong by doing cardio regularly throughout the week. Your body will thank you later.