Your Common Cardio Questions Answered
How much do you know about cardiovascular fitness and cardiovascular exercise? It’s important to understand the reasoning behind something, not just be told this is good for you so you should do it. The same is true for cardiovascular exercise. Everyone knows it’s good for us to do but we can’t always explain the benefits.
Knowing your cardiovascular fitness levels helps you to understand the health of your body. This is because your cardiovascular fitness measures how well your body takes in oxygen and sends it to your organs and muscles during prolonged periods of exercise.
This is the blog for you if you are wondering how much cardio exercise you should aim to do per week, if cardio is good for weight loss, and other questions that many people like you are asking about cardio. Plus, our Sportsclub experts give you the tips you need to increase your cardiovascular endurance.
We always recommend speaking to a healthcare physician or qualified personal trainer before beginning any new workout regimen.
What Are the Main Benefits of Cardio Exercise?
There are so many benefits of cardiovascular exercise including:
- Developing muscular strength
- Improving mobility
- Improving flexibility
- Reducing weight
- Reducing the risk of heart disease
- Lowers cholesterol
- Lowers cortisol levels
- Increases energy levels
- The opportunity to meet new people
How Often Should I Do Cardio Workouts?
The American Heart Association recommends people should, “Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity (or a combination of both), preferably spread throughout the week.” Don’t forget to stretch before and after to prevent injury and aid muscle recovery.
Which Are the Best Cardio Workouts to Try?
This all depends on your current levels of fitness, what you enjoy doing, and have the capacity for. Cardio exercise is doing any form of movement that increases your heart rate. Cardio workouts that get your heart rate rising include:
- Running
- Jumping rope
- Swimming
- HIIT training
- Biking
- Brisk walking
- Rowing
Is Strength Training Different from Cardio?
Yes, strength training is different from cardio. It is sometimes also known as resistance training. Strength training is performing exercises that work on building muscle and increasing bone strength such as lifting weights and performing exercises with resistance bands.
Will Doing Cardio Help Me to Lose Weight?
The best way to lose weight is to do a combination of cardio and strength training exercises. It is recommended that people do cardio exercise 5 times a week and strength training 2 times a week. This will see the best results.
Where Can I Get A Cardio Assessment?
You can work out how hard you should be working in your cardio exercise by finding out your target heart rate. You can do this yourself at home or a personal trainer will be able to provide a fitness assessment for you, including your target heart rate, and offer you a personalized fitness plan for you to achieve your goals.
Find Your Perfect Cardio Exercise Routine at Sportsclub
Sportsclub is the perfect place to get fit and healthy and reach your cardio goals! Whether you are looking to lose weight, gain strength, or want to spice up your fitness routine, we have the state-of-the-art equipment and professionals to see you through. Join today and become part of the Sportsclub family, you’ll fit right in!