Cardio Workouts: At the Heart of It
Author: Shannon Miller
We all know cardio must be a staple in your exercise routine, but have you stopped to consider what cardio really is and all the benefits that can be reaped from it?
Cardio involves getting your heart pumping. It really refers to, then, types of exercise that use large body muscles continuously.*
Some examples of cardio exercise:
- Running
- Swimming
- Biking
- Step aerobics
- Speed walking
All of these are great cardio workouts! For those of you reading this who are concerned about losing weight, keep in mind that the calories burned during a cardio workout come from fat stores.* So, if you’re trying to shed a few, doing your cardio routine is just the right idea!
Consider some other health benefits from engaging in cardio exercise:*
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Better able to climb the stairwell at work without gasping for air!
TIP: As you can see, old-fashioned cardio is a dynamic workout that can do great things for your health!
*Michele Silence, MA, “Cardio Workouts: What You Should Know”, The Diet Channel, 20 Jan 2011.