Cardio: Is It All That?

Most of us spend more time looking after our internal issues, that we can let our physical health dip sometimes. When it comes to finding the best physical exercise, we need something quick, and we need something effective, right? Naturally, we all think about going running. But is cardiovascular exercise in that form really all that?

The True Definition Of Cardio

Cardiovascular exercises are about getting the heart pumping and the blood flowing, and this is the ultimate goal. But when it comes to cardio, we can be guided down the wrong avenues. Cardiovascular exercise isn't just running, it can be lifting weights, it can be brisk walking, there are so many different types. And it depends on what you are after. Low intensity, long duration cardio training is best for someone just starting out. But for someone that's looking for something that pushes them to their limits, you could go for high-intensity interval training or high-intensity short duration cardio training. Find the right one for you based on your fitness needs.

It's Not Just Running

Running is certainly a good place to begin, but if you do it wrong, or have poor form, you could end up doing more damage. You may end up having to get a knee replacement a few years down the line, or you may just twist your ankle really badly. Running is certainly a very sociable activity, but these days, there are as many people saying that running is bad for you. So what's the answer?

Finding Other Ways

As we've already said, it's about getting the heart going, and cardiovascular exercise isn't just about running; it could be weight lifting, which has been shown to be more effective than general cardio for fat loss. It does depend on your goal. If you're looking to lose weight, you need something that's going to hit all the major areas.

Cardio Is Not "Bad"

Cardio had a bad rap recently because it's not been shown as the most effective way to lose weight, but if you want to lose weight, there are plenty of effective methods out there. You just have to be willing to dig deeper to accomplish them. Tabata sprinting is one aspect of high-intensity interval training that can help with fat loss, but is an intense workout which is why many love running (or jugging) because you can go at your own. pace.

Cardio isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it depends on the type of cardio that you want. Remember, cardio is about getting the heart pumping and the blood flowing.


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Ways Vanity Can Be Good For You

Everybody’s a little bit vain. Some people are just a little more open about it than others. You can’t help but inspect yourself in the mirror each morning; appearance is something that we give great important. Of course, none of that means anything if you only strive to “look” healthy and not actually “be” healthy. The greatest way to achieve the former is to strive for the latter. You can use vanity as the motivation to start looking after your body better, but the key here is that you should be doing things which are genuinely making you healthier and not just making you “look” healthier. Here are some ways in which vanity can be a good thing for you.

Getting into shape the right way.

Getting into shape is pretty much impossible when it feels like a chore, so you need to think about a way to approach exercise and healthy eating which suits your lifestyle. You could try small tricks such as switching your large dining plates for smaller ones so as to force yourself to prioritize healthier carbohydrates and nutrients in your meals rather than overloading on unnecessary extra food. Everything should be eaten in moderation (even healthy fruits and vegetables), so smaller dining plates could help with that. Making substitutions with empty carbs for nutritional carbs is also important.

 In terms of keeping your body active, don’t force the gym or cycling if neither of those activities are exciting to you. You want a form of exercise that you can stick to because it fits nicely in your routine. Perhaps walking or jogging are relaxing to you because you can enjoy the scenery of your local park as you do so. Perhaps you’ve always been keen on martial arts or swimming; there are so many different ways to get your body moving, so just find something that suits you. Maintaining muscle strength and cardiovascular health is important for your heart and your body as well as your appearance in the mirror.

The smart route to pearly whites.

Everybody wants white teeth, but not everybody cares about whether they’re healthy or not; you may have had them whitened, but does that say anything about plaque build-up or the healthiness of your gums? You should be flossing as well as brushing your teeth; avoiding plaque and tar build-up is the smartest way to avoid gum disease and other health problems with your teeth or mouth in general. You could always consider affordable dental care if you were put off visiting your last clinic regularly because of the expense, as your health shouldn’t be something that you have to put a price on; you should always prioritize it, and that goes without saying.

Sleeping well can improve your appearance.

Those bags under your eyes and your slouching posture are both things which diminish your appearance. Both could be improved by simply sleeping well because better energy levels mean better concentration and better posture in your office chair or at home (rather than slowly sinking into your seat as you begin to doze off). Of course, sleeping well is important for your body so many different ways. It’s not just about getting enough sleep but sleeping in a bed which supports your body and its posture. You don’t want to have aches and pains throughout the day; ensure your mattress is supportive. Ideally, you should change them every seven years.

Looking after your mind.

You might be wondering how your mental state could possibly affect your physical appearance, but there’s a clear link between the body and the mind. Your stress levels, for example, can have a huge effect on your facial appearance. Blemishes such as acne definitely flare up during periods of intense stress, so it’s important to work on taking better care of your mental health. Practice meditating to focus on centering yourself, and you might notice the physical benefits.


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