Cardio-exercise

Cardiovascular exercise is simply any activity that raises the heart rate to a level where the person working, but can still talk. The term refers to exercise that causes positive adaptations to the heart and lungs. There are many forms of cardio-exercise but they can be categorized into 2 groups: aerobic and anaerobic.

Cardiovascular exercise (or ‘cardio’ for short) has many benefits. It is the key to weight loss and it also helps to:
• Strengthen heart and lungs, and increase bone density
• Improve sleep and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression

Research has shown that the intensity of exercise, rather than its quantity or frequency, is more important for improving - and especially maintaining – fitness.

The more intense the workout, the greater and longer the post-workout elevation in metabolism, which burns more calories even while he or she on the couch.

The frequency of workouts will depend on the fitness level and the person schedule. Beginners should start with 3 non-consecutive days of cardio and work their way up to more. The general guidelines are:
*To maintain current fitness level: 2 days a week
*To improve fitness levels or lose weight: 3 or more days a week
Cardio-exercise