What’s the Skinny on Cardio???

Are there any good reasons to do cardiovascular training?

Here are just a few: increased muscular endurance, loss of fat, increased energy, greater wellbeing and a decrease in anxiety and depression. Moreover, aerobic exercise increases the level of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), lowers blood pressure, improves immune system and helps protect the body against many ailments, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

With all of these benefits I still find that getting clients to implement a cardiovascular program is one of the most challenging. There are many excuse…time, boredom, availability, or pride, because nobody wants to go into a gym where they already feel uncomfortable and “look” stupid because they can’t run a machine or have more jiggles than the woman on the treadmill next to them.

Here is the secret…..there isn’t one.

We make time for the things that are a high priority in our lives, and if that 5K or 20 lbs. isn’t enough to get you out the door then it is time to ask yourself what you really want. Boredom and availability are easily fixed with a varied routine walking, running, hiking, swimming, treadmill, elliptical, rowing, boxing, circuit training and biking can give you work out material for two weeks without ever having to repeat. Last but not least just like your TV remote that you can use to change channels and adjust volume without even looking at, the elliptical will become much less “intimidating” the more you use it, and the woman on the treadmill next to you worked hard to reduce her jiggles, and improve her technique and she’s just glad to have someone to say hello to, introduce yourself.

This week give this a try….

Monday

Take a walk somewhere you feel at peace, your favorite place, very Zen.

Tuesday

Ride a stationary bike with your favorite book, or that “Women’s Health” Magazine you’ve been meaning to get to that has been sitting by your bed for almost a month

Wednesday

Run a lap, Walk a lap… at the High School Track. It doesn’t matter how fast you run just how many runs you can get in.

Thursday

Take it out on the bag. Find out what gym in your area has punching bags and equipment or a kickboxing class. Pay the daily fee to try it once (most gyms will give you the first class for free, ask about that). Take out the stress of your work day, guaranteed that in 15 minutes or less you will find yourself smiling.

Friday

What is your favorite Friday reward? Figure out how many calories are in that ice cream cone, or mocha latte and how long it will take to hike off the calories in the foothills around town.

Don’t forget to stretch

Send any questions to ghouston@mvhospital.net or call 208-557-2823