A cardio workout is the one of the best way to lose weight. Of course, there is also dieting and weightlifting. The former ensures one to eat less and to avoid those kinds of food that can add up more weight to the body. The latter burns calories and replace the lost fat with muscles. However, if one wants to burn calories faster and to make the heart healthier and stronger, then doing a cardio workout is the thing.
Many routines or exercises could fall under the cardio workout category. Going outdoors for a morning jog or walk is considered as one. Enrolling at a gym for an aerobics course is also a good cardio workout. If one finds staying at home is better, he can have a treadmill or an exercise bike as equipments to help him sweat out and lose the fat. However, whatever routine one does and wherever he does it, what is important is that this is effective enough to help him lose weight and have a healthy heart.
Before one starts his cardio routine, he should do some stretching first. This will make sure that he is not going to get any muscle and bone injuries while doing the workout. Spending about five minutes to stretch the major muscle groups and the joints before jogging or hitting the treadmill or aerobics mat also prepares the blood circulatory system for intensive use. A little breathing exercise will also brace the lungs for some heavy work.
Another suggestion is performing not just one or two routines. There should be a combination of three or even more cardio exercises. This is important in order to have a more balanced and comprehensive muscle growth and body conditioning. An example would be getting off the treadmill after a while and try the elliptical trainer so that the arms and the torso can also be utilized. For joggers, who are not using any equipment, they should also pause from running and do some minutes of ‘jumping jack’. Another great type of cardio combination is the alternate use of light and heavy intensity routines.
Boredom can be a problem when doing cardio. Jogging, especially at very familiar places, can be a monotonous activity. It is even worse with a treadmill or n exercise bike. However, one can beat boredom by making the activity fun. He can play his portable audio player while jogging in the park or he can have someone along. While on the treadmill or exercise bike, he can watch his favorite TV show, listen to music, or even read a bestselling novel.
Sweating out can certainly make one lose weight but if he is not careful enough he may also lose more than necessary. It is best to keep water in handy while doing the cardio. Drinking during rests is important so that the body is hydrated enough during the exercises. Water is a natural coolant needed to prevent burning out the body.
