So you’ve just joined or are planning to join a local gym. You’ve bought those shiny new dumbbells and can’t wait to get started on building those great big muscles that everyone will adore. The new you is rising.
Strength training is only one-half of the story. Really, the right path to fitness is an exercise program that combines strength training with a cardio workout. In short, your heart muscle development is as important if not more than your body muscle development as it will form the cornerstone of your total fitness. Think of a sports car with a beautiful body. Much effort has been put into its design and we all expect it to outperform just as perfectly. What if someone forgot about the engine under the hood? Can you imagine what a letdown once you step on the gas? Worse, the engine dies on you.
Contrary to popular belief, weight training will not help to keep your heart muscles in good shape nor will it be 100% effective in helping you reduce weight. So let’s do this right and begin by learning the basics of a good cardio fitness program. When you engage in regular aerobic exercises, your heart will be caused to pump faster and in so doing develop stronger heart muscles. A strong heart ensures your blood will flow more efficiently throughout your body supplying every part of your body with the much needed oxygen and nutrients. Naturally, your muscles will benefit directly from this and when combined with strength training, will grow faster and better.
The other side effects or should I say the benefits of engaging in regular cardio workouts is a significant 20% to 50% reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including the risk of heart attack or stroke. We might be tempted to say it will never happen to us, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In reality, most of us today live in a fast foods, fast paced, high stress and often sedentary work environment which contributes greatly to this risk.
A good cardio workout program must complement your strength training. Two to three days of weekly strength training combined with your cardio workout should give you the best result.
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