Cardio Exercise

Cardio Exercise is aerobic exercise and is also known as cardiovascular exercise. It involves working out of large muscles to strengthen the heart and lungs. 'Aerobic' means something that needs oxygen. During this type of exercise, oxygen is delivered to the muscles.

Cardio Exercise gives the heart an excellent workout at certain intensity. The amount of exertion while exercising can be measured by checking the heart rate. The heart rate is the number of heart beats per minute. Each person has a resting heart rate which is the heart beat rate at rest. The maximum heart rate is the maximum a heart can beat in a minute.

To give the heart an ideal workout, one's rate should be 50 percent and 85 percent of the maximum heart rate. Cardio Exercise is also an effective way to reduce weight as it reduces calories.

Types of Cardio Exercise

Cardio exercises involve use of large muscles like legs. The exercises can be performed with or without the aid of special exercise equipments. It can be divided into –

Outdoor Cardiovascular Exercise – These outside exercises include jump-roping, walking, swimming, jogging, running, bicycling and skiing of various types. Most of these exercises do not need special equipments.

Indoor Cardiovascular Exercise – This type of exercise include the use of rowing machines, stationary bicycles, treadmills, ladder climbers, stair climbers and elliptical trainers.

Benefits of Cardio Exercise

Cardio Exercise results in various psychological benefits and keeps an individual happier and energetic. The exercise burns a lot of calories when done frequently for a longer period of time. One of the best ways to reduce weight is to engage in cardiovascular exercises and reduce calorie intake at the same time.

Metabolic rate increases with regular cardiovascular exercise which can help in losing of weight. Cardiovascular diseases also reduce with regular workouts. It has been suggested that just walking three times a week for 20 minutes can reduce the risk of heart diseases.