A cardio exercise, short for cardiovascular exercise, is any type of physical activity that gets your heart rate up and increases your breathing rate. These types of exercises are great for improving your overall cardiovascular health and fitness.
Some common examples of cardio exercises include jogging, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, jumping rope, and dancing. These activities require sustained effort and increase your heart rate, which strengthens your heart and lungs over time.
Doing Cardio at the Gym
Gyms like Equinox Fitness are considered one of the best places for cardio for several reasons. Gyms provide access to a wide range of cardio equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, and ellipticals, all of which are designed to provide a low-impact, full-body workout.
These machines also come with features like adjustable resistance levels and pre-programmed workout routines, making it easier to customize your workout according to your fitness level and goals.
Another advantage is the availability of trained professionals who can guide you through your workout and help you maintain proper form and technique. Many gyms also offer group fitness classes such as spinning, Zumba, and cardio kickboxing that provide a fun and motivating environment to get your heart rate up.
Lastly, it also gives you a safe and controlled environment to do your cardio workouts, with air conditioning and proper ventilation to regulate temperature and improve air quality. This can be especially beneficial during extreme weather conditions when outdoor workouts may not be feasible or safe.
What to Keep in Mind Before Doing a Cardio Workout
Start with a warm-up. A good warm-up can include five to ten minutes of walking or light jogging on a treadmill, cycling on a stationary bike, or using an elliptical machine.
Mix it up. Try switching up your routine by alternating between different machines, such as the treadmill, stationary bike, stair climber, and rowing machine. This will challenge your body in new ways and keep your workouts interesting.
Incorporate interval training. Interval training involves alternating between periods of high-intensity exercise and periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. It has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and increase calorie burn. Do some short bursts of high-intensity exercise, such as sprinting on the treadmill or cycling at a high resistance, followed by a period of active rest.
Set goals. Whether it’s increasing the distance you run on the treadmill or increasing the resistance on the stationary bike, setting achievable goals can help you see progress and stay committed to your fitness journey.
Don’t forget about recovery. Make sure to stretch your muscles and cool down for five to ten minutes before finishing your workout. And don’t forget to refuel with a healthy snack or meal within 30 minutes of your workout.