You’re ready to get in shape and want to give cardio workouts a go. Most people know that they can burn a lot of calories with cardio, but did you know there are other health benefits to this type of exercise, too?
Here are a few of them:
You burn fat
Cardio that gets your heart pumping and your brow sweating can help support your fitness goals by burning fat. To get the best results according to studies is to combine cardio with strength training.
You protect your mental health
Doing 30 minutes of cardio every day can do loads for your mental health. Not only will you get better sleep, your brain will release endorphins that can boost your mood and reduce stress. This, in turn, can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
You boost your brain
Cardio is all about delivering more oxygen throughout your body—especially to your brain. This effect can help reduce your brain’s stress response, stimulate new connections between brain cells, lower your risk for memory loss and diseases like dementia, and help you focus on the current moment.
You tend your ticker
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Thankfully, taking care of your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. Getting at least 150 minutes of exercise each week has been proven to improve blood pressure and lower the risk for heart disease.
Cardio is a great workout that gets your heart rate up, and you only need about ten minutes of cardio exercise each session to make a difference. So, start off slow as you build up your stamina and work toward longer workout periods.
Before starting your exercise journey, take note of the activities you love to do. Do you enjoy cycling? Running? Walking? Maybe swimming? These can be great cardio workouts.
Taking care of your body and getting regular exercise doesn’t have to be tedious or complicated. In fact, going on a leisurely walk, bike ride, or even gardening can count as moderately intense exercise, which can be the gateway to all these glorious benefits of cardio.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
The content included here is for your information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, this information does not guarantee benefits. To review your benefits, please reference your plan materials or call Member Services at 800-538-5038 weekdays, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., closed Sunday. TTY users call 711.
Related Articles
