SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO BOOST YOUR HEART HEALTH WITH CARDIO!
You're very dependent on your heart, but your heart is also very dependent on you! It needs not only proper nutrition, but exercise as well. Cardio uses repetitive contraction of the larger muscles to get your heart pumping harder and is the best type of exercise for your cardiovascular system. But it's important to remember that even in short episodes, cardio is still beneficial! Exercise in excessive quantities is not always needed. The recommended amount of cardio per week is approx. 150 minutes. But don't get discouraged if you have to start small! Any cardio is better than no cardio, and any physical activity is good to get you started!
There are numerous options out there for cardio workouts. No one-size-fits-all regimen exists, as each person has their own individual needs. The most important thing to remember is to simply get moving! Activities like walking, running, biking, or even things like vigorous yard work are great for getting started.
Benefits of Cardio
The benefits of cardio are numerous!
Even if you have never incorporated much cardio into your daily routine, each day is a chance to start fresh! Setting daily or weekly goals often helps to keep you on track and reminds you to stay active. If you have a medical condition or disability, check with your doctor to see what kind of activities you should start with.
Sources
1. Waehner, Paige. "Everything You Need to Know About Cardio", verywellfit,
https://www.verywellfit.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cardio-1229553
2. Levine, Ben , M.D. "The 'best' cardio workout for a healthy heart", UT Southwestern medical center,
https://utswmed.org/medblog/heart-cardio-workouts/
3. "American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids"
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