Workout Plans – Cardio Focus

What, When, How Long for Cardio?

You know that cardio exercise is a key component when you are designing your workout plans but often the question is what, when, and how long? Whether you are starting from a point of doing absolutely nothing or you feel like you are pretty active but your ready to take your fitness to the next level, read over the following three basic principles and keep them in mind as you consider your daily and weekly workout plans. 

1. What? The simplest thing is to start out with doing something you enjoy. Do you like to run, bike, walk, play tennis, dance? If you begin from a point of least resistance, you will not only stick with it but you will enjoy it more. However, that said, I know a number of people (myself included) that have started an activity they weren’t really thrilled with and over time come to find that they (and their bodies) will actually start to enjoy the activity and really look forward to it! So, again, it doesn’t matter what it is. Just get your heart rate up and get your body moving.  
2. When? This is really going to depend on your schedule but if you can swing it, it is generally best to do cardio in the morning on an empty stomach. Get up an hour earlier. It warms up your joints, fills your lungs with oxygen, clears your mind, will start your body burning calories throughout the day, and is just a wonderful way to great the day and say thanks for being alive! 
3. How Long? This is an interesting question and I’ve seen suggestions from as little as 15 minutes 3 day a week. However, from personal experience and working with athletes and fitness experts (that are actually fit!), it really seems that an hour a day works very well for overall health and fitness – with a day off here and there for total rest. Of course, if you can really only squeeze in a half hour a day or during your lunch break or after work, that’s great. Just do it! You can make it a bit more intense or do interval training. In any case, you will be disciplining both your body and your mind and you’re on the right road. The other day I woke up at 5:30 and it was dark, cold, and raining but I knew my day was super packed and that this was the best time to get going. An hour later, I returned with a smile on my face, my blood pumping, and yes, happy it was over! Onward. 

Another key point is to add variety. Your body will get used to your routines (that’s why we call them routines right?) and you may find your workouts less effective. Just switch it up and do something different and you’ll be back on track in no time.

Now let’s get out there and have some fun! See you on the water, on the courts, in the gym, on the trail, or your living room! Nice outfit by the way.

Here’s to your health and fitness for life!