If you look at any personal training regimen, you’re sure to find plenty of cardio exercises. It’s often the foundation of any workout because these exercises provide so many benefits. If you want to burn excess fat and improve your heart health, learn how cardio can boost your workout regimen below. 

Why Is Cardio Important?

Cardio, short for cardiovascular, focuses on exercising the heart. During the exercise, you’ll focus on increasing your heart rate and keeping it at an elevated pace for an extended period. Remember that the heart is a muscle. Cardio exercises “stress” the heart to increase endurance and make it stronger. As it pumps more blood, your body will begin to burn fat and excess calories faster.

By incorporating cardio exercises into your weekly routines, you’ll reduce your risk of heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. And because you’re maintaining a healthy weight, you’ll also avoid complications like diabetes that are linked to obesity.

How Can I Incorporate Cardio Into My Workout?

You can get started with cardio right away by getting up and walking. Once you're ready to kick your routine up a notch, start jogging or perform sprint intervals with walking in between. The higher the intensity, the more calories you’ll burn. 

You can also choose high-intensity interval training (HIIT). During a HIIT workout, you'll perform cardio exercises at a very fast pace but only for a short period; in between, you'll rest. 

It's also beneficial to incorporate weight lifting. You'll increase your cardio by performing more reps with a lower weight. But if you're not sure where to begin, sign up for personal training or a group fitness class to figure out the best way to get enough cardio. 

If you’re ready to start working toward your fitness goals, connect with a personal trainer at Flex House Gym. This Gilbert, AZ, fitness facility welcomes all skill levels and provides a wide range of services. From personal training and small group training to fitness classes, you’ll find everything you need to reach your goals. Call (602) 800-1296 to discuss enrollment, and connect on Facebook for news and updates.