What is Cardio and Should You be Doing It?

Cardio (cardiovascular) training is an activity that gets your blood pumping and large muscle groups working. According to Tony Bianchino, Owner of Out Run Your Fork Personal Training located at 500 Central Ave Suite 5, Westfield, NJ, cardio offers several key benefits.

Cardio exercise helps your heart pump blood more efficiently and is commonly used among people who have various heart conditions to strengthen the heart. It also strengthens the respiratory system, which can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from asthma by reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Additionally, cardio is lower in intensity than weight training, meaning it doesn't fatigue the Central Nervous System as easily. Bianchino notes that 15-30 minutes is the optimal duration, as longer cardio sessions tend to have diminishing returns.

While running is often the first form of cardio people consider, several alternatives exist. Water aerobics, performed in pools at facilities like local YMCAs, puts very little strain on joints. Rowing engages both upper and lower body while remaining light on the joints and targets posterior chain muscles. Jump rope is another effective option that improves hand-eye coordination, foot speed, balance, and shoulder strength. Depending on pace, jump rope can burn up to 500 calories in a 30-minute session while remaining low impact on joints.

Out Run Your Fork Personal Training can be reached at 908-224-6855 and specializes in helping people over 40 lose weight, build strength, and boost energy in minimal time without risking injury.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.