Change The
Way You Think About Cardio Vascular
You are drowning in a sea of cardiovascular machines
and intimidated by the idea of the right cardio exercise for you. I have worked
in the fitness industry for a long time and I recognize the look.
You need to forget, as with all
training regimes, the counterproductive notion that within this sea of cardiovascular machines is
just the one for you.
You’ll
be delighted to know that there is no such need for such CV monogamy.
In
fact settling in to the same old ways will stop you enjoying all the diverse
benefits that high and low intensity cardio can bring you.
Cardio Vascular exercise is defined by the
National Physical Activity guidelines as ‘the ability of the heart and lungs to
supply oxygen-rich blood to working muscle tissues with the ability of the
muscles to use oxygen to produce energy for movement’ or in layman’s terms any
exercise that forces your heart rate to beat faster. Cardio exercise, when optimized, can do the following for you.
- Reduce your stress
- Give you better quality sleep
- Give you confidence about how you feel and look
- Make you lose weight faster
·
Improve your brain. Including
an increase in concentration
and prevention of memory loss. A study conducted by the Centre for BrainHealth
at The University of Texas saw 57-75 yr olds show a higher metabolic rate and
increased neuronal activity in the anterior cingulate after just 3 hours a week
of exercise on a stationary bike and treadmill. The anterior cingulate is the
primary link between superior cognition in late life.
To give your body a break from
excessive pounding, and to reduce the risk of injury use Low impact exercises. The
Cross-trainer, Recumbent bike, and the Adaptive motion trainers (AMT’s) will minimize the compressive forces on your bones and joints. Or why not slip into a SportsDock
Yoga or Pilate’s class. Improving your flexibility, balance, and inner
strength.
CV machines such as the Treadmill, Versa climber, and steppers have
more compressive force thus making your blood work much harder.
The right amount of High Impact cardio exercise can increase bone density, performance
and torch calories à la SportsDocks Train Insane and Body Blast
classes.
Have your favorite C.V machines but try to
alternate high and low impact cardio workouts working them together. After all diversity is always
better. A bit of spice in life to contrast your rather sedentary work
lifestyle.
Remember
to ignore any apathetic sighs you may hear from friends and beware of the
growing trend to judge C.V workouts based in contrast to its rather outgoing
flashy brother- the resistance trainer.
Ultimately adopting the habit of
regular, varied, C.V exercise is much more important than fretting over which
suits me better.
