Before we get into an introduction to cardio exercises, there are three main types of exercises: strength training, cardio, and stretching. Each of these is unique in their own way and are essential for maximizing your fitness level and preventing injury. You have probably heard that cardio is a great way to lose weight and get lean so today I am going to give an introduction to cardio exercises and why it is so important, especially in conjunction with weight training and flexibility training.
The Benefits of Cardio
Cardio is described as any exercise that raises your heart rate into your target heart rate zone for a sustained period of time. Thus, cardio is a great exercise if you want to burn fat and torch those calories. However, besides just burning calories, there are added benefits to doing regular cardiovascular exercises.
- Like I said above, cardio helps you burn calories and fat
- Cardio strengthens your heart and reduces your risk of a heart attack and high blood pressure
- Cardio releases “happy hormones”—aka endorphins—that relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
- Cardio, since it is a weight-bearing exercise, increases your bone density and decreases your risk of osteoporosis
So now that we know the benefits of cardio, what are the different types of cardio to choose from?
The Types of Cardio Workouts
There are many different ways you can elevate your heart rate, including walking, jogging, climbing stairs, doing the elliptical, biking, high-intensity interval training, swimming, dancing, and more. So how do you know what the best cardio workout is?
Choosing a cardio exercise is totally up to you. The main objective is to make sure you enjoy it and don’t dread every minute of your workout. The elliptical and bike are great if you have joint pain, however, they still work on activating the lower body muscles. On the contrary, running and climbing stairs can have a harsher impact on the joints, although they burn more calories per minute. So in conclusion, the type of cardio you choose is a personal preference. And you can always mix it up—walk one day and bike the next.