Maybe you’ve been a runner or road cyclist in the past but lately your body is just not responding like it used to.
In fact, maybe you are feeling a little more stiff and sore after after that 5 mile jog and you know it’s beginning to take its toll on your body.
We all know the importance of cardio – aka aerobic- exercise especially as we age. It’s not just about weight loss any more but about keeping our heart and lungs strong in addition to that great benefit of revving up our metabolism and keeping our weight in check.
Did you know that heart disease has held the number one spot in recent years as the most common cause of death for women and men – and cardio exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease by more than 40%!
The best fitness plan you can adopt at any stage of life is a combo of aerobic activity, strength training, flexibility work. But sometimes aerobic activity that is kind to our joints and that we actually enjoy participating in can be hard to come by. So I bring you some helpful tips an ideas.
If I haven’t convinced you yet, here are six more reasons why cardio exercise should be added to your day if it’s not already:
- Strengthens the heart muscle
- Helps to lower blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels
- Promotes weight loss
- Regulates blood sugar levels
- Improves circulation and promotes waste elimination
- Can help to fight the aging process!
Plus, ladies if you are nearing or in menopause, it can help to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss.
By now, I’m sure you can tell I am a BIG fan of adding cardio workouts to your fitness regime. I suggest most people aim for 30 minutes three to four times per week. If you can only fit in 10 minutes at a time, do it! But aim for 30 minutes to get the most benefit and help keep your body healthy and fit.
Here are the best low impact cardio workouts to help you feel better in your body:
- Race walking or Power walking
- Kickboxing
- Aerobic dance
- Low impact aerobic classes (online or in-person)
- Stair climbing
- Cycling (indoor or outdoor)
- Rowing
- Hiking
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Aqua aerobics
- Power yoga
As I always recommend, listen to your body first! Find what activity actually feels good and keeps you entertained. Remember: a little bit of cardio can take your health to the next level, so start today by getting at least 10 minutes of cardio – and aim for 30 minutes!
Am I missing your favorite aerobic activity from the list?
NickiFit A to Z 