Healthy Cardio Training Workouts

Healthy Cardio Training Workouts

Cardio training is a good idea, but before beginning any type of exercise program to lose body fat, always consult with your physician to make sure your body is up to the challenge. Ask your doctor to help you choose a target heart rate for your individual needs. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the right equipment before beginning cardio training. Some things to have on hand are:

  • Electronic strap on heart rate calculator
  • Good specific activity shoes (cycling, running, aerobics)
  • Water

Have fun with your exercise program. There are so many different ones to choose from, so choose one that is right for you such as bicycling, walking, or swimming, kayaking, or hiking. Aerobics are also good.  There are also machines one can use at home such as treadmill machines, or rowing machines. If you prefer, you can find cardio exercise DVDs and work out in your own living room whenever you wish.

Begin small and work up to the desired pace. Give yourself time to warm up with stretch exercises and then for some cool down time afterward. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not overdo it. Moderation is key.  It is a good idea to keep a journal of how much time is spent on each activity.  The journal gives you a look at where you are going and how much you have done. Mixing up different routines prevents you from becoming bored.  Start out with walking, and then slowly add other routines such as cycling short distances, swimming or kayaking. After a while, you might build up to at least 20 minutes each time.  Your routine can include two or three routines a week for 20 minutes a day and this can give effective results.

For some strength and endurance building, you might use a machine at home while watching a movie or your favorite television program. Strength building should be exercises that build strength in your larger muscles. You need to build upper body strength as well as lower strength to prevent injury and exhaustion. Then follow up with a good stretch program to limber up those muscles after a good workout.  Be sure to eat nutritious foods and try to walk a little or use the stairs at work to help stay fit in between activities. After a while, you might find yourself kayaking down the Colorado River or the Mississippi River. Even if you are not that adventuresome, only 20-30 minutes 2 or 3 times a week can give you optimal results and help you reach your desired cardio heart rate.

Comments Add Your Own Comment

  1. Editor says:

    Thanks Grant. That’s a great tip! I didn’t realize that about swimming.

  2. Grant says:

    I like that you noted swimming as a good exercise for cardio and burning fat. I’ve also learned that you can burn even more calories by swimming than by doing many other activities. This is because the water is colder than your body temperature, so your body is constantly burning more calories to try and keep your body temperature regulated.

    That’s one reason why Olympic swimmers like Michael Phelps can eat ridiculous amounts of calories in a day, but still not gain a pound of fat.

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