How to Build a Cardio Workout for You

R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen
Cardio workouts can seem tedious so many of us avoid them like the plague. In reality, you need cardio exercise to maintain your heart, lungs, muscles, bones and an overall healthy body. Cardio exercise is also an essential part of any weight loss routine. The easiest way to incorporate cardio exercise into your fitness and/or weight loss routine is to build a cardio workout for you.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number One

The first and most important thing you need to do is go and see your doctor. Ask him/her which types of cardio exercise you can safely do. This is especially crucial if you have any injuries or medical conditions. They can also provide some valuable tips.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Two

Decide what types of cardio exercise you like. Do you like walking, swimming or biking? If you don't enjoy it you aren't likely to stick with it.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Three

Pace yourself. If you haven't worked out in a while, don't start running three miles a day right away. You can injure yourself by doing this. Take it slow and gradually build up to approximately 45-60 minutes of cardio exercise at least three days per week.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Four

You will need to make yourself a schedule. Aim to start at doing this three days per week and then try to find the time to do it five days per week. Once you have been on this schedule for a couple of weeks it will seem more automatic and you will just do it.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Five

Find a workout buddy with the same interests. If you like to walk then recruit a friend to walk with you. This will help to keep you on track and it will keep you from getting bored.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Six

Switch things up. If you like a few types of cardio exercise then switch them up. For example, swim one day a week, walk two days a week and ride a bike two days a week. This will help your body burn more calories and it will keep your from getting bored with your routine.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Seven

If you just cannot bear to walk for 45-60 minutes then break it up. Walk for 15-20 minutes three times a day. If you choose to do this just make sure to walk faster. Do a few more intense bursts for optimum calorie burning.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Eight

Once you build up some stamina and endurance experiment a bit. Try new cardio exercises. For example, if you are interested in jogging, but don't normally jog, give it a try. You just may like it and then you can add a day or two of jogging to your cardio routine.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Nine

Do not forget about flexibility and strength training. Not only are these essential to your overall fitness, but they can add to your cardio routine. They can help you to increase things such as strength and endurance so that you can get more from your cardio routine.

How to Build a Cardio Workout for You: Tip Number Ten

Never underestimate the power of your own body. Do not be afraid to go longer and faster. If you feel you can run that extra mile then give it a try. This will greatly benefit your body and seeing progress will make you more motivated to continue on with your cardio routine.

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/

Published by R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness

Rose is a freelance medical writer with a background in health care. She has been a freelance medical writer for five years. Rose is also an editor and writes on a variety of other subjects. She will...   View profile

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