How's The Cardio Workouts Going?

By Mary Ellen Coffey

Cardio workouts have a place in your fitness routine. Especially if you spend most of the day sitting, or just not able to move around too much.
 
If you start your cardio workout feeling a little sluggish, don't be discouraged, because within 15 minutes you'll be feeling that boost of energy.  
 
Four tips and benefits of a cardio routine:
 
Tip: Do some type of cardio at least 20 minutes a day to increase your energy and metabolic rate 
Benefit: Reduces excess body fat and releases endorphins, the feel good chemicals in your brain
 
Tip: Intensify your effort in short spurts to increase heart and lung health 
Benefit: Helps to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease by  lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol and increases lung capacity
 
Tip: If walking outside do intervals of skipping and swing your arms higher 
Benefit: Strengthens the skeletal system which helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and helps to increase joint range of motion
 
Tip: Walk after eating breakfast, lunch or dinner 
Benefit: Helps with digestion by allowing your food to process better
 
If you're not able to do cardio for 20 or 30 minutes straight then break it down into 10 minute intervals. The important thing here is to just get it done. And always honor your pace!

Tuesday Treadmill Workout:
3 min warm up at 1% incline - 3 mins
1.5 min run 1 min walk x's 9 - 22.5 minutes
4.5  min cool down - 4.5 mins
30 minutes total
Stretch. Good times!