Do We Need Cardio Workouts?
The question many of us often ask is, “Do I need a cardio workout for heart health?”
With one in every four Americans dying annually from heart disease, might you be considering ways to fit a cardio workout into your weekly schedule? Before you head off to the gym, let’s examine how the body benefits from increasing one’s heart rate during a cardio workout.
What we’ve been taught and what’s actually true:
We were taught in biology class that the heart pumps blood through the body. While that is true, it’s not the entire story. Oxygen is transported throughout the body via the blood. During movement, such as walking or running, blood is pulled to that part of the body by the muscles, helping the heart to distribute more oxygen.
The cardiovascular system, including the heart, is working the way it should when it delivers the oxygen to the entire body, including the small capillaries, which are the tiny tubes that branch off from the arteries. The exchange of oxygen happens between the blood and the rest of the body in these branches. Therefore, one’s cardiovascular system is essential to transport the blood and oxygen to the small capillaries. Movement helps enable that process, as well!
So, does that mean we need to go to the gym and do cardio?
The heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised just like any other muscle. Therefore, everyone should go to the gym for a spinning class or another type of cardio workout … correct?
Or, are there other options available to accomplish the same result?
- A cardio workout is only one way to strengthen one’s heart and move the muscles so that oxygen is distributed throughout the body. Moving with varying intensity every day is also recommended. The heart is a muscle that needs varying rates to stay healthy. Also, there is an associated increased demand for oxygen directly benefiting the lungs.
- That said, one can reach the same goals in other ways. A popular term is a “movement rich life.” Incorporate more movement into your life as you do other things.
Here are some suggestions to get started:
- Playing ball or raking leaves with your children or grandchildren
- Walking or bicycling to work
- Using the stairs instead of the elevator
Next, are some suggestions for more movement that might be outside of your comfort zone:
- Walking on uneven terrain
- Balancing on logs while exploring nature
- Hanging from a tree or a ‘Jungle Jim’ product
WAY FORWARD:
These are just a few examples of introducing more movement into your daily routines that will increase your heart rate and move more oxygen throughout the body. One can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, balance, and agility all at the same time.
The goal here is to move as many body parts in varying positions and intensities as often as possible.
“Have fun” while exploring ways to add more movement in to YOUR life.
For a custom movement and stretching routine that helps you get on the path to better heart health, schedule a private consultation.
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