Any individual who desires effective weight loss should include cardio exercise as a necessary part of their weight loss program. When you burn more calories than you eat you are going to be losing weight, period. And, the most effective program to maintain your weight loss and improve your health and energy include cardio exercise, strength training and a well-balanced healthy diet.
Tips to Improve Cardio Health
1. Lose weight. This should be at the top of your list to get into good physical health overall, but it is especially important to your cardio health. Overweight people are at a higher risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even certain types of cancer. Obesity will also cause your heart to pump harder which can lead to long term damage.
2. Stop smoking. This killer habit can put you at a much higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of heart disease there is. So if you smoke stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you live with a smoker, insist that they not smoke around you. Second hand smoke can do just as much, if not more, damage to your lungs.
3. Exercise. Your heart is a muscle. The best way to develop any muscle is through exercise. This includes your heart muscle. Exercise gets your blood pumping and makes your heart stronger. It also reduces cholesterol levels and helps to reduce stress.
4. Eat heart healthy foods. Foods that are rich in potassium are good for your heart. You should also try to avoid foods that are high in sodium because sodium will make you retain excess water and put a strain on your heart muscle. Studies have shown that foods that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids are good for your heart. Stop eating the high calorie, high fat junk foods and start eating a diet rich in fiber, fruit and vegetables.
Any individual who desires effective weight loss should include cardio exercise as a necessary part of their weight loss program. When you burn more calories than you eat you are going to be losing weight, period. And, the most effective program to maintain your weight loss and improve your health and energy include cardio exercise, strength training and a well-balanced healthy diet.
Benefits of Cardio Exercise
1. Burns calories immediately. Depending upon the intensity of your workout, you may be able to burn from 100 to 500 calories in one session. On a treadmill, its typical to burn 100 calories in 10 minutes of fast walking. If you use an elliptical trainer which also incorporates your upper body, the calorie burn will be higher.
2. Improves cardiovascular health
3. Helps flush toxins from your lymph system and your body.
4. Increases your breathing rate, helping to oxygenate your body and eliminate toxins when you exhale.
5. Increases your metabolism so you continue to burn more calories after your workout is complete
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