We’ve all heard it a thousand times before: cardio is good for you. But is it really?
Yes, it absolutely is! Incorporating cardio days into your weekly workout routine is key to keeping your heart strong and healthy. Cardio-heavy workouts also help to improve the flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body.
Not sure where to start getting your cardio in? Well, the good news is that cardio exercises tend to be quite straightforward. Activities like running, walking and swimming are all great forms of cardio. There are also some excellent fitness apps out there that can guide you through effective home workouts.
Let’s break it down for you: your cardiovascular fitness is important because it contributes to your overall wellness. Our modern lifestyles, often fueled by stress and too much caffeine, can be taxing on our heart health. By getting your cardio training in, you help to prepare your heart, blood vessels and lungs to work effectively, feeding them fresh, oxygenated blood filled with nutrients. In addition to this, cardio helps you burn calories and improves your endurance.
Simple cardio moves to do at home
If you, like so many of us, struggle to find the time to make it to the gym, or if you just don’t feel like leaving the house but want to get a bit of a workout in, give these cardio-boosting moves a go.
Jumping jacks
Jumping jacks won’t just make you feel like a kid again, they’ll also give you an effective (and intense!) cardio workout.
Jogging
We know, we know - your mom always told you not to run in the house! But we think this time, she’ll allow it. Running is very good for pumping blood and getting your body warmed up. Jog on the spot during your cardio workout and pay careful attention to how your heart rate rises.
Squat jumps
This is a great cardio exercise because it incorporates an element of strength training too. Squat jumps will also go a long way in helping you build and strengthen your leg muscles.
Mountain climbers
Mountain climbers are perfect for high-intensity home cardio workouts as they work multiple parts of the body. While they can be quite challenging at times, they are also very effective. Be sure to use an AI-powered fitness app like GOFA Fitness to track your form and help you reduce the odds of injuring yourself.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing isn’t only a good form of cardio exercise, it also makes you feel pretty cool while you’re doing it. With every powerful punch you throw, you’ll burn tons of calories and get your heart pumping.