Cardio: The key to your fitness journey
Let’s be real, cardio is hardio, but trust us, it’s worth it. Adding cardio to your workout regime will help you achieve better results in less time. Not only will it help you get more out of the rest of your workout, but it also has a ton of great health benefits. Ready to level up your cardio game?
What is cardio?
Cardio exercise is any rhythmic activity that raises your heart rate into your target heart rate zone. This is the zone where you burn the most fat and calories. For most people, 150 minutes of cardio each week is ideal, but this can be broken up into as little as 10 minutes at a time. If you are just starting to incorporate cardio into your week, start with 15 minutes and then add 5 minutes over time, working your way up to a 30 to 60-minute session.
Benefits of Cardio
Cardio is a key part of any well-rounded fitness routine. By getting your heart rate up, you are moving more blood through your body and improving your circulation, which provides more oxygen to your muscles. Cardio comes with a long list of great health benefits:
- Makes losing weight easier by burning fat and calories
- Improves your ability to cope with stress
- Reduces your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, risk of heart attack and diabetes
- Strengthens your heart
- Expands your lung capacity
The Best Cardio Workouts
The best cardio workouts are the ones that you enjoy, and that meet your fitness level. Not everyone is a fan of cardio, but with tons of options to choose from, you just need to take the time to find the one(s) that work for you. Here are a few of our favourites:
ZUMBA classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats. It’s easy to do, effective, and totally exhilarating.
LES MILLS SPRINT™ is a 30-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout using an indoor bike to achieve fast results. It’s a short, intense style of training where the thrill and motivation come from pushing your physical and mental limits. The 30 minutes you put into a LES MILLS SPRINT workout drives your body to burn calories for hours. You combine bursts of intensity, where you work as hard as possible, with periods of rest that prepare you for the next effort.
BODYATTACK is a high-energy fitness class with moves that cater to beginners to total addicts. BODYATTACK combines moves like running, lunging, and jumping with strength exercises such as squats and push-ups.
KETTLEROW is an innovative new workout combining kettlebell flow sequences with rowing intervals along with core stability exercises. This all-in-one body conditioning class is a great way to build strength and endurance.
CYCLE is definitely not your average spin class. This immersive fitness experience features HIIT-style programming, motivational music and real-time leaderboard technology to track progress.
RPM/SPRINT is a group indoor cycling workout that empowers you to build your fitness at your own pace. The instructors will guide you through proper form and encourage you to put your best foot forward.
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Running, swimming, hiking, the elliptical, playing a sport, or even a brisk walk are all great ways to change up your cardio routine. If you work out with music, try finding a playlist with more beats per minute to keep you moving. If you find it hard to get motivated, try working out with a friend and incorporate a little friendly competition. Just like any part of your workout routine, it’s important to switch things up and try something new. Get moving, get your heart rate up and reap the benefits of all your hard work.
