We all hate it. We all do whatever we can to avoid it. Some of us even have nightmares about it and wake up in the middle of the night sweating. You stare at the timer as you feel the sweat drip from your forehead, and time seems to be almost at a standstill. I am talking about the dreaded cardiovascular exercise.
Whether it be running outside or on a treadmill, the elliptical, swimming or even biking there are many ways we can get our heart pumping fix. There are multiple benefits in doing so in both the short run (maybe weight loss goals) and the long run (future heart health).
According to Livestrong.com the benefits of cardio include: heart benefits, cancer prevention, mental health, and weight control. So the benefits really do outweigh the pain and sweat you have to put yourself through in a 30 minute running session.
The average amount of time that is recommended for the amount of cardio to get in per week is 30 minutes for three times a week. Obviously, if you are looking to push yourself you can stretch the amount time or intensity of each workout. The biggest tip I can give you is to ensure that you slowly build up your endurance and workouts, step by step.
What I mean by this is to not lace up your running shoes, step out of the door and go on a 15-mile-run out of no where. You can start with 20 minute runs at a decent pace, and week by week add five to ten minutes depending on your overall fitness and skinny goals. So the overall goal is to start small and progressively push yourself each week.
Another tip that will help you in your cardiovascular journey is to change it up every now and then, and not allow yourself to fall into the boring trap of doing the same routine over and over, especially when it comes to working out at an indoor gym. You are more likely to be more motivated to workout when you do not get into a nauseating routine that becomes all too familiar.
Whether you change it from the elliptical to the treadmill or Zumba class to spin, as long as you get your heart rate up and your blood flowing you are already on the right track to getting to where you want to be. Don’t be afraid to push yourself, just remind yourself Halloween is right around the corner and the holidays are breathing down your neck. Keep your goals in mind these next few months and strive to get skinnier each and every week! Go us!
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” — Winston Churchill
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