Cardio exercise simply means that you’re doing a rhythmic activity that raises your heart rate into your target heart rate zone, the zone where you’ll burn the most fat and calories.
Benefits:
Burn fat and calories for weight loss
Enhances sleep quality
Expands lung capacity
Improves sex life
Increases bone density (weight-bearing cardio exercise)
Lowers stress
Promotes feeling good, and can even provide temporary relief from depression and anxiety
Provides more confidence in how you look and feel
Reduces the risk of heart attack, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some forms of cancer
Sets a good example for your family
Strengthens the heart so that it doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood
The great thing about cardio is that you don’t have to work out for an hour at a high-intensity to get the benefits. Even a little goes a long way. A 15-minute walk outside can boost your mood and help lower blood pressure.
Don’t feel like you have to have a lot of time and energy for cardio. Doing a little each day is better than doing nothing at all. With all the benefits laid out for you, it’s time for the next step which covers exactly how to choose your cardio exercise.