Whether you\u2019re an amateur or professional athlete, someone who works out, or just interested in sports, you\u2019ve surely heard of cardio exercises. So what is cardio, and why is it important?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The word \u201ccardio\u201d is derived from the Greek word \u201ckardia,\u201d which means \u201cheart,\u201d and in English it also refers to the heart and its associated blood vessels and arteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cardio can be defined as anything (not necessarily exercise) that raises the heart rate and increases breathing rate, which greatly helps strengthen the heart and lungs and improve their function and that of the respiratory system, in addition to burning fat and calories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on the definition we mentioned earlier, all physical activities\u2014such as running, swimming, cycling, and even walking and weight training\u2014can be considered cardio exercises, provided that two basic conditions are met: an increased heart rate and faster breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefits of cardio exercises are no different from those we mentioned in the article The Benefits of Running<\/a>It helps burn fat and calories, reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, improves lung function and strengthens bones, enhances sleep quality and mood, and boosts self-esteem by helping you achieve a more beautiful and attractive appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to get started, and how to choose the right exercise. If you already know what kind of sport you prefer, all you have to do is start or resume practicing it; but if you don\u2019t know or if your preferred sport is difficult to practice for one reason or another\u2014for example, if you\u2019ve moved to a country without water or seas and you used to live in a country where you practiced rowing\u2014it might be a good idea to try out more than one sport until you find one that suits you. To get started, I recommend trying sports that don\u2019t cost you much time or money, such as walking or light jogging around your neighborhood, riding a bicycle if you already own one, or doing bodyweight exercises and jumping rope at home. All of these activities provide most of the benefits of cardio exercise and are inexpensive. From my personal experience, there may be times when you don\u2019t feel like doing your usual workout\u2014that\u2019s okay. Try a different activity, and you\u2019ll still get the benefits of cardio. Always aim to do these exercises at least three days a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cardio-1229553<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nResources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n