Why You Need Cardiovascular Exercise
April 22, 2009
If you are into weight training then you know why building muscle is important to your body. But did you know that cardiovascular exercise is also important? If you didn’t, then you should now add cardiovascular exercises to your routine. Weight training in combination with cardiovascular exercise is the proper way to keep your body healthy. Below are seven reasons why you should add cardiovascular exercise to your weight training routine.
Cardiovascular exercise is good for your heart. When you increase your heart rate, you expand your heart and lung’s capacity and ability to pump blood throughout the body with fewer heartbeats. Plus your lungs will be able to take in more oxygen. Cardiovascular exercise promotes a healthy heart and a healthy cardiovascular system. Try to do at least thirty minutes of cardio exercise three times a week.
Contrary to popular belief, cardiovascular exercise will increase your muscle mass. By alternating between cardio exercise and weight training you work your muscles and then allow them to relax. Cardiovascular exercise will burn extra fat and give your body a more toned look. It will also increase the size of the capillaries in your muscles which will in turn eliminate waste in the form of lactic acid.
Cardiovascular exercise burns fat. By doing about thirty minutes a day at least three times a week you will see your body’s fat levels decrease.
Cardiovascular training speeds up your metabolic rate. An increased metabolism will help you burn fat not only while you are training but also while your body is at rest. You are therefore able to burn fat around the clock.
Just thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise a few times a week will strengthen your immune system. Your body will be able to fight off colds much easier and it could take you less time to recuperate.
Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to improve your mental health. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins which leave you feeling high. Endorphins work to relieve stress and pain.
And the last reason why you should add cardiovascular exercise to your daily routine is because it will not only improve the quality of your life, but it will help you live longer.
Now that you see how important cardiovascular exercise is for your mind and body, the next consideration is what type of cardiovascular activities you should do. One of the top forms of cardio exercise is running. Running gives you the most bang for your buck. It works the entire body while burning fat and strengthening your leg muscles. Try running about thirty minutes at a time. Make sure you wear a good pair of shoes to brace your knees for the stress that running can put on them.
If you have problems with your knees, a less stressful form of cardiovascular exercise involves the elliptical machine.
Whatever type of cardio exercise you choose, just remember to keep up with it.
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