So many things about the gym, working out (especially cardio), living a healthy lifestyle, and staying in shape can be frustrating.
I remember when I was just getting started on my journey to living a healthy, fit lifestyle I was very confused and frustrated about many things. I was especially frustrated and confused about cardio, and where it was supposed to fit into my routines. I didn’t know for sure what I was supposed to be doing, so I guessed or just didn’t do any at all.
Does this sound familiar?
It’s time to end the frustration, gain clarity and start getting the most out of your cardio routine.
There are a lot of things that can make your workouts more enjoyable and more successful. It’s important to have the clarity to reach your fullest potential with your cardio routine.
This is true no matter your age or ability level. Cardiovascular training is especially necessary if we want to age well and extend our longevity. Walking, riding your bike, or swimming are simple ways to get your cardio in especially if you’re looking for something to do that isn’t too tough on your joints.
No matter your age, it’s important to remember these key dos and don’ts when it comes to your cardiovascular workout routine. However, these things become even more important the older you get!
Here are 5 Dos and Don’ts that will help you reach your greatest potential and end your frustrations with cardio.
1. Do:
Include interval training in your workouts each week to train your body to recover while still working and to strengthen your heart.
Don’t: Overtrain by doing this daily.
2. Do:
Perform steady-state cardio at least 2x per week for at least 30 minutes to pump your heart.
Don’t: Believe the myth that running is the best, and only, option. Walking, biking and swimming are great options as well.
3. Do:
Switch things up to keep it interesting. Do more of what you love when it comes to fitness and exercise.
Don’t: Feel like you have to do what you hate. If you hate sitting on a bike, don’t do it. Go for a walk, run or swim. The key is to try different things and choose an activity, or multiple activities, that you enjoy doing regularly.
4. Do:
Properly hydrate before, during, and after your cardio workouts to ensure that you aren’t losing too much water during your workouts. Hydration is key for your body to function properly.
Don’t: Drink too much water right before training. This can lead to cramping and other problems. Hydration should occur throughout the day which means you need to be thinking about it regularly.
5. Do:
Allow yourself time for recovery.
Don’t: Overtrain which can lead to injury, fatigue and limit your ability to reach your goals. Overtraining, especially as you age can be much more detrimental to your success. You need to allow yourself to recover between cardio workouts.
Now is the time to get to it and get a consistent cardio routine in place!
Now that you know the dos and don’ts of cardio, it’s time to put them into action! Start slow and build a routine you can stick with.
And, now that you have a better idea of what you should be doing, it’s time to do it! If you have more questions about your cardio routine and how it should fit in with your specific goals, you can contact us today to speak with one of our M3 ProTeam coaches. We are here to guide you in your journey to a healthier life.