If you’re on a weight loss journey, your heart health is just as important as reaching your goal weight. Exercise is an essential part of both. Strengthening your heart can help boost your metabolism, increase energy levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease. According to experts, you should spend at least 150 minutes per week engaging in moderate exercise. Here are some of the best exercises to start increasing cardio strength today.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT is an intense cardio workout that maximizes metabolism and fat loss. It involves short intervals of all-out, intense exercise to quickly elevate your heart rate, then an interval of rest to bring the heart rate back down. This up-down heart rate pattern strengthens the heart muscle and better prepares it for future exercise.
HIIT is the perfect workout for those who don’t have a lot of extra time in their daily routine. It allows for a complete, strenuous workout in less than 45 minutes.
Cycling
Whether you have a bicycle or choose to use the stationary bike at your gym, cycling is a great form of cardio. Cycling stimulates your heart, lungs and circulation, improving your overall health and helping to release feel-good hormones in the process. Depending on where you live and work, you can commute via bicycle a few times a week to help get your heart pumping.
Burpees
Burpees are a well-known exercise that most of us got introduced to in high school, but they’re well-known for a reason! They are a cardio-based, total-body workout that is sure to strengthen anyone’s heart. Burpees combine squats, jumps and push-ups (modified push-ups if needed). You begin by squatting, jumping the feet back into a pushup position, then jumping straight up into the air. Complete these for 30 seconds followed by 30 seconds of rest for 5 minutes for a quick exercise to boost heart health.
Swimming
Swimming is a great cardio exercise for anyone, but especially for those who have arthritis or painful joints. Swimming is a full-body workout that removes pressure from pain points, allowing you to focus solely on building cardio strength.Â
Begin your weight loss journey
Engaging in a regular exercise routine is one of the best ways to facilitate weight loss and be healthier. ShapePro provides registered dietitians, some of the best professionals in the weight loss industry, to help you commit to a healthier lifestyle with an emphasis on physical fitness and healthy foods.
Get started on your weight loss journey today by calling 888-279-0099.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your practitioner or other qualified healthcare specialists when considering changes to your health, diet, or exercise routine. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice.
