It’s no secret that regular exercise is good for your health. Though many individuals are motivated by the physical results they get from maintaining a strict workout regimen, there are plenty of benefits below the surface that are just as important.

Cardio training involves movement that gets your heart rate up to improve oxygen consumption by the body. Cardiovascular activities are considered anything that raises your heart rate and keeps it up for prolonged periods of time. Examples include running, walking, swimming, biking, step aerobics and high-intensity interval training.

Curious about what a cardio workout can do for you? Take a look at just a few of the benefits listed below:

Feel Better at Work.

Not only does regular cardio training have positive effects on your physique, it also balances neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the brain to improve your mood and your ability to focus. Who doesn’t love the boost in confidence you get after finishing a tough workout? When you feel great and believe in yourself, your mindset at work is bound to be optimistic and bodes well for job performance!

Decreases chance of heart disease.

Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It helps to diminish your chances of developing heart disease, and has a positive impact on your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, energy level and mood.

Decreases body fat percentages and increases muscle mass and endurance.

Aerobic activity – activity that requires pumping of oxygenated blood by the heart to deliver oxygen to working muscles – by its very nature requires fat to be used as a primary fuel source. Therefore, any kind of cardio exercise you engage in will have a positive impact on your body fat percentage.

Feeling inspired to lace up your running shoes and start a cardio workout of your own? Here are just a few tips to help you develop, and stick to, a new cardio workout.

Start slow!  

If you’re having trouble deciding where to start, begin with the basics. You need to be moving for at least 20 minutes – so start there. Schedule 20 minutes on three days of the week to go out and walk, or jog. After the first few sessions you can begin to slowly increase your time from there.

Always take time to rest.

Resting in between cardio sessions is almost as important as your workout. Taking time off allows your body to rebuild and repair muscle breakdown. 

Mix it up!

The nice thing about cardio is that you can choose any activity that raises your heart rate. You don’t have to do the same workout every session, nor every week. It’s easy to get your heart pumping, so change up your exercises often!

Submitted by: Bee Healthy Wellness Team