Cardio FAQs
Despite its tenured presence in the workout circuit, there are still a lot of people who do not know what cardio is or the proper way to do it. Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding aerobic exercises.
1. What is cardio?
Cardio is short for cardiovascular exercise which basically any type of physical activity that increases your heart rate.
2. What is the difference between cardio exercise & aerobics exercise?
Nothing, they are one & the same. The word “aerobic” means oxygen & when we talk of aerobic exercise we are referring to the increase presence of oxygen in the body which is achieved through physical movements.
3. Who can do cardio?
Anybody can do cardio. In fact it is strongly recommended that people make cardio activities a part of their everyday lives. There are more than enough cardio exercise to fit anybody, no matter who they are & what their habits are. Urban living should not be a problem as there are a lot of gyms & aerobics lessons available. People living in the countryside who do not have easy access to these amenities can take part in sports like football or rowing as substitutes.
4. Why should I do cardio?
Cardiovascular exercise is your number one ally, with a well-balanced diet coming in close second, in the fight against cardiovascular & respiratory diseases. The longer you do cardio the stronger your heart becomes & the healthier you get. Cardio helps in improving blood circulation & helps clear up clogged arteries which is one of the leading causes of heart attacks. Not only that, aerobic workouts actually do more than physical wonders it also helps in arresting depression & anxiety disorders.
5. Where do I do my cardio workout?
Cardio workout can be done anywhere where there is enough space. A quick jog around the neighborhood is as good as the treadmill workout in you do in your living room. If you cannot get to a gym for your aerobics class, a night of dancing at the club should be a fun substitute. Also, DVD & VCD cardio workouts are a great alternative that you can do right in your bedroom. Video workouts are great for self-conscious people who do not like to workout in public.
6. What are the different cardio exercises?
There are plenty of cardio workouts that will fit any body type & any personal preference. Cardio equipments are also available to further enhance the workout. You may choose to use equipments like the stationary bike in your workout, or you can just rent a bike & ride around the town. Either way, you get the same benefits. You may also want to try aerobics dance classes for a different workout flavor. If you want to be a little more daring & intense, go for kickboxing or taebo. These are just a few samples of the available cardio exercises for you!
7. What are the risks in doing cardio workouts?
Cardio workouts are as safe as any. The only risk you incur is the one you take upon yourself. There are certain rules that every exerciser should abide by; for example, stretching is important to avoid muscle damage & overstraining yourself. Also, if you are combing working out with cardio exercises then you should have proper spacing in between the two. It is also important to remember to keep within an intensity that you can cope with, to do something overboard can be disastrous.
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