Cardio training is based on oxygen consumption by the body and your fitness level will improve when your cardiovascular system is more efficient. Cardiovascular processes refer to the functioning of the heart and the flow of blood through the body with the veins, arteries and other transport mechanisms of blood.

Many types of cardio exercise can be performed for extended periods of time such as an hour of stair climbing or rowing or 30 minutes on the elliptical machine in the gym. By doing cardio training, you not only work on the heart muscles, but tone all the other muscles that are involved in the movement of the exercise such as the legs and arms. Not only does cardio training tone the muscles, but it improves general fitness which helps with fat loss as it speeds up metabolism and makes the daily tasks much easier.

Cardio training usually forms the bulk of the exercise and the rest of the training program is weight training, flexibility and sport specific training. It is important as cardio training leads to a base fitness level that will make all other exercise manageable (Certainly any form of cardio training will yield results on an inactive person who starts a training program). It is recommended that a person do at least 2 to 3 cardio training sessions a week at moderate to high intensity for more than 20 minutes each session. For maximum fat loss 5 to 7 sessions a week (30 to 60 minutes each) can be considered. In some cases, true ectomorphs (people having a hard time gaining weight) may want to limit or avoid cardio until they achieve their desired weight.

Any time of the day is suitable for cardio training, but the best time is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. After fasting for about eight hours when sleeping the body will have no carbohydrates to burn and uses stored body fat as energy. This will surely lead to maximum fat loss results, but let’s just not forget that it can also lead to some muscle loss (when the glycogen stores are depleted, the body can get into a state of catabolism, therefore muscle breakdown can occur).

Advantages of cardio training includes fat loss, toning muscles, improving circulation efficiency and increasing the total number of red blood cells in the body that facilitates oxygen transport. There is also less risk of osteoporosis, cholesterol, blood pressure problems and lifestyle diseases. Exercise promotes improved mental health with a reduction in stress. There are few disadvantages like the associated risks of a weakened immune system, overtraining and muscle loss in some cases, but there are far more advantages with cardio training.

The quality of life improves with a more efficient cardiovascular system and walking up the stairs will be less effort. With improved fitness levels, you will be able to achieve more in your daily life with less strain and effort.

Please help us serve you better: feel free to contact us here if you have any thoughts, questions, information, requests, or recommendations about cardio training.

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