Why should we do cardiovascular exercise?

Did you exercise yet today? Do you even know why you should, other than the fact that people say you should? I can tell you that if you think it is just about looking better, you are wrong. In fact looking better is a side effect of exercise. The most important reasons for doing cardio, are the reasons that should be why you do it.

Cardiovascular exercise is must for a healthy body. Not only will cardio lower your body fat, it will lower and control blood pressure, builds healthy bones and muscle, helps the heart and lungs work better, and it will lower your resting heart rate. Consistent cardio will also reduce the risk of many diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.

Well if those reasons weren't enough for you, cardio will also help to slow down the aging process and make you feel better by the release of sedative like endorphins. You will always feel better when you exercise cardiovascularly.

Here is another benefit....doing cardio before you take an exam will help to raise your test score. Your brain actually will think better, that's fantastic!

In 2005 35% of all deaths in the United States were caused by cardiovascular disease. Many of these deaths were lifestyle related and could have been avoided if proper diets and exercise had been practiced by these individuals, according to the "American Heart Association and Center of Disease Control".

Eating healthy and practicing consistant exercise can help keep disease out of your body. That is reason enough to exercise daily. The bonus is that you will have a body that looks great too.

There are multiple ways to participate in a cardiovascular exercise. Some of these choices are running, walking, hiking, biking, rollerblading, cross country skiing, sand running, indoor cycling classes, treadmill, elliptical, stationary bikes, swimming, aerobic classes, track work, and much more.


You will burn an average of 300 to 800 calories per hour depending on the activity and intensity of the exercise. Knowing your heart rate while exercising will help you achieve the results your after. A general guideline for determining where your heart rate should be is to minus your age from 220. That will give you your maximum heart rate. You should be exercising at a range of 65% to 85% of your maximum for optimal benefits in burning fat and creating a healthy heart.

Remember it takes 3500 calories to burn before you will lose a pound. You will find you are feeling more energetic, clear headed, sleeping better, and of course looking awesome.

So engage your mind and body in some cardio and watch how your body will change, your stress levels will drop, and you will feel so much better.

Have Fun!

Till tomorrow,
Queenie