Get Fit with Cardio

Get Fit and Have Fun with Cardio
by Aldrich Cusens

Feeling a little insecure with your physique? Do you wonder if other people are judging you because of how you look? If your body is out of shape, your self-esteem can be taking a plunge, too.

If you ever feel this way, it’s important to know that you are definitely not alone. In fact, many people share your fears of being judged or limited by physical condition and appearances.

Are you ready to make a change? First, you need to answer a very important question: are you content to keep on the same old routine of doing nothing to help yourself, or would you prefer to make the changes and do the work required to build your better body?

The most important personal commodity that you have is your self confidence. The more confidence you exude, the easier it will be to reach your full potential. Even the most confident people can find a little room for improvement. By reinventing yourself and uncovering a brand new you, it can give provide more confidence to face all of the world’s complexities and hardships. Give yourself a fighting chance by pampering and treating your body and spirit better than you ever have before.

One of the most important steps to self-improvement is developing your health and physique. Cardio is one healthy exercise program that is a very affective way of accomplishing your goals.

A doctor should always be consulted before starting any new exercise program. To further increase the effectiveness and productivity of your cardio sessions, here are some of the valuable things that you should consider:

1. Take small steps for big results. Start off small, and then gradually increase your cardio exercise sessions.

2. Unless told to do so by a doctor, never do cardio on an empty stomach.

3. Because of the way that the body responds to cardio exercise, it is important to keep cardio going for at least 30 minutes. It must be done in moderate or high intensity.

4. Muscles should always be stretched to prepare them for exercise. A good but gentle muscle stretch for cardio exercise might include quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.

5. Know your target heart rate. Be sure to monitor your heart rate regularly throughout your cardio routine, during breaks, or between sessions.

6. Avoid boredom by varying your cardio workout regularly. Consider different forms of cardio, such as martial arts, rowing, running and things like that to make it more exciting and fun.

7. Intensify. Vary the intensity of your workout within each session. For example, exercise at a moderate pace for about half of the session and a high rate of intensity for approximately forty percent of your cardio workout. Use a slow or easy pace for the last ten percent of the cardio session to help condition the muscles, stopping them from exerting too much effort.

8. If you wish to use both cardio and weightlifting you should always maintain an interval of 8 hours between workouts. Your muscles require rest in order to keep up with the rest of your activities. Also, your body requires nutrients and fluids to replace what is used in a workout.

When you follow these tips, you can improve your level of fitness and appearance. Best of all, you’ll soon improve your self-esteem and confidence!

Contributor Aldrich Cusens is a columnist for a variety of web magazines, on womens health and health and wellness topics. You can get a unique content version of this article.