Research has proven, time and time again that cardiovascular fitness helps to protect against heart disease. Working your way to a healthy heart is easier than you think. Maybe you have grown bored with walking on that treadmill and now it is nothing more than a clothes hanger in your bedroom.
That means that it is time to change your cardio exercise routine so that you stay heart healthy . But how do you do that?Doing a good cardio workout is not all about what exercise equipment you need to buy. Cardio is about moving your arms and legs so that blood is forced through your arteries. When you are doing cardio your heart and lungs work harder than normal to meet your body's increased demand for oxygen and it is oxygen that helps keep your heart in prime shape.
You need to enjoy cardio exercise. A good way to ensure that you like the type of cardio exercise you are doing is to think about what type of physical activity you liked to do as a child. Perhaps swimming was your thing. Maybe as a kid you took any opportunity you had to swim, be it in your neighbor's pool or at a local beach. If so, join a local health club or recreation center that has a pool. Sign up for water aerobics classes that use water weights or kickboards to put the fun back into being in the water.
Did you like to dance when you were younger? You probably didn't think about the good cardio workout you were giving yourself when you went to those high school dances in the gym and spent a couple hours on the dance floor. Make that happen again. Sign up for dance classes with your partner or a friend. If you cannot find a class in your area, buy a Wii and get going in front of your TV or just put on some music for a half an hour every day and boogie around your house!
Did you love to ride your bicycle when you were a kid? Maybe it was how you got around town. Why not buy a brand new bike and enjoy the freedom and fun bike riding offers? Plan a vacation around bicycling or set up a time each day where you meet your pal for an hour's spin around the city. Bike riding is a great way to improve circulation and to relieve stress, which is what your heart craves and needs.
Most of us were involved in some type of organized sport when we were younger. It is never too late to join a team. There are adult softball leagues in most large cities that people of all ages partake in. If you were a volleyball star in high school, look for a volleyball club and join in on the action. Sign up for an adult flag football team and relive those magic memories you had on the football field.
Before you start any new cardio exercise routine it is a good idea to have a talk with your doctor - especially if you have been told you have a heart condition. Also be sure to take it easy from the beginning. When your body says take a break, listen. Getting regular exercise is something anyone can do to lower their risk of heart disease. Just making one small change to your daily routine can help your heart become healthier such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Did you like to dance when you were younger? You probably didn't think about the good cardio workout you were giving yourself when you went to those high school dances in the gym and spent a couple hours on the dance floor. Make that happen again. Sign up for dance classes with your partner or a friend. If you cannot find a class in your area, buy a Wii and get going in front of your TV or just put on some music for a half an hour every day and boogie around your house!
Did you love to ride your bicycle when you were a kid? Maybe it was how you got around town. Why not buy a brand new bike and enjoy the freedom and fun bike riding offers? Plan a vacation around bicycling or set up a time each day where you meet your pal for an hour's spin around the city. Bike riding is a great way to improve circulation and to relieve stress, which is what your heart craves and needs.
Most of us were involved in some type of organized sport when we were younger. It is never too late to join a team. There are adult softball leagues in most large cities that people of all ages partake in. If you were a volleyball star in high school, look for a volleyball club and join in on the action. Sign up for an adult flag football team and relive those magic memories you had on the football field.
Before you start any new cardio exercise routine it is a good idea to have a talk with your doctor - especially if you have been told you have a heart condition. Also be sure to take it easy from the beginning. When your body says take a break, listen. Getting regular exercise is something anyone can do to lower their risk of heart disease. Just making one small change to your daily routine can help your heart become healthier such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Source: Ezine Health