3 Reasons to Add Cardio Workouts to Your Routine

With summer just around the corner, it's time to ramp up your activity levels and get into shape. And since school is out, there's no better season to start an exercise routine. After all, only one in three children is physically active every day, but creating healthy habits now can lay the foundation for a lifetime of wellness.

Of all the possible types of workouts available, cardiovascular exercise is one of the most important. Cardio exercise refers to rhythmic activities that raise your heart rate into your target zone. When you work out in this zone, you'll burn more calories and fat. Generally speaking, cardiovascular exercise is more all-encompassing, meaning that it usually addresses different regions of the body at the same time. In today's post, we'll talk about some common examples of cardio workouts (including the types of exercise equipment in San Francisco that you'll want to look for), as well as three different benefits these workouts can provide.

What Are Some Common Cardio Workouts?

You probably do cardio every day without ever setting foot inside your home gym or community center. Walking can be an excellent cardio workout, providing that you work hard enough to get your heart rate up. Other examples of cardio exercise include jumping rope, running or jogging, doing burpees or jumping jacks, dancing, swimming, cycling, playing sports, or using different types of home fitness equipment (e.g., ellipticals, treadmills, climbers, stationary bikes). The sky's the limit when it comes to cardio, which makes it easy to find an activity you actually enjoy.

What Are the Benefits of Cardio Exercise?

1. Weight Maintenance: Not only will cardiovascular activity help your heart, but it'll help you tone up and slim down (if those are among your fitness goals). Cardiovascular exercise can allow you to burn fat and calories while increasing your metabolism. This will make it easier for you to lose or maintain weight over time.
2. Mood Enhancement: You've probably noticed that any time you use exercise equipment or engage in physical activity, you experience mood elevation after the fact. That's no coincidence; your body releases hormones (like endorphins) during exercise that provide that feel-good sensation. If you're experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression, working out can be an excellent way to get some relief. That chemical release will make you want to keep working out on a regular basis -- so put that addictive euphoria to good use!
3. Mind Protection: When you purchase exercise equipment in San Francisco sports stores and use it on a regular basis, you aren't just investing in your physical health. You're also safeguarding your mental well-being. Working out regularly can improve your mood and even allow you to sleep more soundly at night. But there's also evidence to suggest that cardiovascular exercise might also help to improve brain function. An active body can support an active mind, so it's no surprise that your cognitive abilities might improve when your physical ones do. There's also evidence to suggest that those who engage in cardio may lower their dementia risk. Even if you aren't focused on weight loss or improving your mood, knowing that your brain can benefit from this type of exercise may be enough incentive to start.

It's clear that when you buy exercise equipment in San Francisco, you're doing more than making a good decision for your physical health. In addition to your fitness goals, you can improve your emotional and mental state just by participating in a cardiovascular workout on a regular basis.