Cardio Workouts Tips

Everyone wants to look their best. To do that, often times, one has to look their best. Of course, more important than your particular aesthetics is your health. As the saying goes, nothing is more important than your health. Clearly, I'm talking about exercise and its benefits, which, I'm guessing, you don't need to be completely re-informed about. However, quality cardio workouts are often misunderstood. Here are some tips to help your cardio workouts gain effectiveness, and hopefully, your enjoyment of them.

The phrase "cardio workouts" have fast become commonplace in our culture. However, most people forget that "cardio" is not exactly a word, but instead an abbreviation of the longer word "cardiovascular". Cardiovascular refers to its system in your body - your blood delivery system - heart, arteries, etc. In other words, cardio workouts are designed not to burn fat or calories, but more specifically increase the healthiness of your cardiovascular system. In fact, most experts agree that cardio workouts are not the ideal way to burn fat. Burning fat is usually best done with low impact, long-term workouts - such as a ten mile walk. Cardio workouts on the other hand, or moderate to high impact designed to elevate your heart rate for a shorter period of time.

Now, if you are interested in losing weight and improving body image you might not care about cardio workouts then. After all, you are looking for the most effective ways to lose weight. However, cardio workouts are still integral to any weight loss exercise program. The improvement that your circulation gets, the health of your arteries will have a direct effect on your fat burning exercise routine. In other words, the healthier that your blood system is, the better you will burn fat (not to mention, the lesser your risk or blood disease, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes).

Your cardio workouts should bring your heart rate up and sustain it for 30 uninterrupted minutes several times per week. Your optimal heart rate will differ based on your age and body size. Good examples of cardio workouts are running, biking, and other high impact exercises where you move your whole body. Yoga and strength training, while important exercise programs, will not help your heart and cardiovascular health. Regular cardio workouts will improve your heart health, your overall strength and endurance and help lead you to the healthy and fit body you have always wanted.