7 Reasons to Add Cardio Training To Your Workout
If you're a weight-training enthusiast, no doubt you know the
benefits to be gained from building strong muscles. But, is
cardio training part of your workout, too? If it's not, you
should consider adding it to your routine. Weight training
paired with cardiovascular workouts provides a nearly perfect
combination for keeping you fit and healthy. Let's look at seven
reasons to add cardio training to your workout.
Cardio training is good for your heart - The increased heart
rate you will achieve during your cardio workout will improve
the condition of your heart and lungs, by training your heart to
pump more blood in fewer beats and your lungs to move more
oxygen with less effort. The improvement you will gain in your
cardiovascular health will reduce your risk of heart disease and
improve your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Aim for
30-60 minutes at least 3 days a week in order to achieve the
best results for improving your heart.
Cardio training will help improve muscle mass - Yes, it's true -
You need strength training to gain muscle, but the thirty
minutes you spend on those elliptical trainers will help improve
your muscle mass, too, especially if you combine the two as part
of an interval training program. By going back and forth between
cardio training and weight training, you are working your
muscles and then letting them relax several times during a
workout, which will improve your ability to build that great
toned look. In addition, regular aerobic exercise causes the
capillaries in your muscles to grow, which helps them to remove
waste, such as lactic acid, from your body more easily. This
will help improve the health of your muscles, and reduce muscle
soreness after your workout.
Cardio Training Burns Fat - Adding four thirty minute cardio
sessions a week to your current training schedule will help you
rev up your fat burning capability. The fat loss you will see
will help your toned muscles be even more noticeable.
Cardio Training Revs Up Your Metabolism - In addition to the fat
you will burn during your workout, regular cardiovascular
training will boost your metabolism for hours after your
workout, too, helping you to maximize fat loss all day long.
Your Immune System Can Improve - People who spend thirty minutes
in cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week are less
likely to catch colds and other viral illnesses. It is believed
that aerobic exercise improves your immune system, making it
better able to fight off infection.
Your Mental State Will Improve - Cardio training causes your
brain to release endorphins, the body's natural high. Endorphins
act as natural painkillers and stress reducers.
You Are Likely To Live Longer - The New England Journal of
Medicine has found a direct link between regular exercise and
longevity.
What Cardio Training Is Best?
So, now that I've convinced you that you need cardio training,
just what kind of cardio training is best? Well, most experts
agree that running provides the best aerobic exercise bang for
the buck, in terms of fat burning. Plus, running strengthens
your legs better than most other aerobic exercise. Another
benefit is that, other than a good pair of shoes, no special
equipment is required for running, and you can do it virtually
anywhere. Experts recommend that you begin with 20-minute
sessions and work your way up to 30-40 minute runs. However,
running does have its disadvantages. It's particularly hard on
the knees, making it a difficult sport to continue, as you get
older. There are several other cardiovascular exercises that
provide great benefit for those of us who don't handle running
very well.
Elliptical trainers seem to be one of the best options for those
whose knees can't handle running. Elliptical machines provide
the same great cardio benefit, but without all the stress on the
knees. There are many great trainers to choose from, and you can
find elliptical trainer reviews on many fitness websites.
Whatever type of cardiovascular training you choose, you are
sure to see an increased benefit in your health and fitness by
adding aerobic exercise to your regimen. With just a little
extra effort added to your workout, you should see noticeable
results in no time!