Regular Cardio Exercise Supports Cardiovascular Health

Cardio is the new term for what was commonly referred to as Aerobic exercise.  In college I took a “Running with Aerobics” class for a gym credit, expecting it to be an Aerobics class similar to what is now Boot Camp.  To my dismay it was only a running class, and the aerobic term meant “with oxygen”.  The class was at 8 a.m. M,W,F and was all running — not ideal for a college freshman!  I never did understand why it was called “Running with Aerobics”, because of course you need oxygen when running!

Benefits of Cardio Exercise

Whether you call an exercise cardio or aerobic, they both refer to vigorous exercise that increases your respiration and heart rate and raises oxygen and blood flow throughout your body.  Cardio exercises typically refer to that group of exercises that raises your heart rate and breathing leading to an increase in cicrulation of blood and oxygen to the muscle groups your working and your heart.  The harder the exercise, the more it works your cardiovascular system.  This is why cardio exercises are known to be good for your heart health and heart strength!

Cardio Exercises

Finding a cardio exercise(s) you enjoy is key to remaining consistent with your cardio workouts.  A few examples include:  walking, jogging, running, biking, skiing, snowshoeing and swimming.  This group of cardio exercises can be performed at home, outside or in a gym.  Sports such as basketball, soccer, cross-country, lacrosse, tennis, pickleball and football also fall under the cardio category.  The exercises we have in our Fit-N-Fun Bootcamp edition that are cardio include:  jumping jacks, jump ropes, skaters, broadjumps, burpees, inch worms, mountain climbers, tuck jumps, star jumps and squat jumps.  If you are new to these exercises, you can view our instructional videos at this link.  All cardio exercises are written in green on our game, and correspond to the green cardio videos so they’re easy to locate.

How To Begin A Cardio Exercise Program

If you are new to exercise, you will want to check with your physician before beginning a cardio routine.  Then you will want to increase the amount of time you work out, and also slowly increase how hard you push youself.  For example, if you wish to run a marathon, you can’t start out running 26 miles.  Most people follow a marathon training guide that safely walks them through building up the endurance and strength required for that long of a run.

Cardio Exercise Produces a “Runner’s High” 

Many people find cardio activities addicting, partly because intense cardio exercises prompts your body to release a hormone called endorphins. These endorphins are sometimes referred to as “nature’s painkillers” for both physical and emotional pain.  They tend to ease aches and pains, and also boost your mood.  Runners often refer to a “Runner’s High” after an intense run, but the same effect occurs with any strenuous cardio activity.  Endorphins are also known to release stress and create a feeling of well-being in the body.  My son’s pediatrician once told us that regular exercise is the VERY BEST thing for depression.

In addition to keeping your heart strong, regular cardio exercise helps keep your whole body healthy.  So, you have nothing to lose (except a few unwanted pounds) and everything to gain by adding regular cardio exercises to your workout routine.  And if you not sure where to start, I encourage you to try our Fit-N-Fun Boardgame Bootcamp Edition ready for purchase last October or early November of 2023!

Hugs & Health – Michelle

**Disclaimer:  Please always consult your doctor before beginning this or any exercise program.