Making time for cardio exercises in your regular routine isn’t an issue, it’s a necessity. In addition to Keep your heart and joints healthy., this form of exercise can improve everything from the function and condition of the lungs, pancreas, and blood to the quality of sleep. (Oh, and expect a huge energy and mood boost!) Whether you ride a bike, runswim or even jump the ropethere are reasons why you should make sure do the right amount of cardio and incorporate just the right training in your routine If she doesn’t, then you could be doing more harm than good to her body. For example, you’ll want to review the following cardiovascular habits that are aging you faster
We spoke with rob wagener, NASM-certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, who tells us about the bad cardiovascular habits you should stop doing ASAP. Read on to learn more and get ready to get rid of them.
Wagener explains that while performing high-intensity cardio is a great way to “get your heart rate up and your blood pumping” and will put you on the right track for Lose weightit is important to be aware that you can strain your body.
“Like a car, running it at 100 mph all the time may seem like a good time, but it will eventually lead to faster breakdown of essential parts and is more likely to lead to more frequent injuries,” says Wagener, adding: “Low-intensity cardio exercises, such as slow walking or running, can produce weight-loss results that burn calories while giving your body a break from fast-paced activities.”
Related: What science says about cardiovascular habits that delay aging
When you think of cardio, running, stair climbing, and treadmill exercise probably come to mind. These exercises can shape and tone the muscles that are working hard. That’s all well and good, but Wagener warns, “Too much lower-body cardio can leave your upper body unconditional.”
So don’t forget to show your upper body some TLC too! Wagener explains that he can do this by finding “ways to get your heart rate up through upper body movements.” Battle ropes are a stellar tool to work with if you want to train your upper body through cardio. You can also grab a set of lightweight dumbbells, which Wagener says work a little faster and will give you the results he’s looking for. “When it comes to cardio, remember that it’s a whole-body opportunity,” Wagener emphasizes.
Related: Fitness mistakes at 50 that are keeping you from losing weight, says trainer
If you have ever had joint pain or deal with joint pain on a regular basis, then you know that it is a problem that is sure to make you feel older. As Wagener points out, “Nothing will age a person faster than sore joints. Not being able to move smoothly due to joint pain or restriction is no fun.”
That’s why it’s important to make sure you don’t damage your joints by indulging in too much of the wrong type of exercise. Wagener tells us, “When it comes to cardio, keep in mind that low-impact cardio can be just as effective for your body as high-impact cardio, but it will put less stress on your joints.”
For example, consider exercising on an elliptical machine on the treadmill from time to time. If that doesn’t interest you, how about a water-based workout? As Wagener explains, swimming is an amazing low-impact full-body cardio workout that’s easy on your joints and will burn calories.
When it comes to getting out of the house to exercise, Wagener says exercising outdoors is one of the best types of cardio because of the health benefits and overall enjoyment. However, when it comes to the cardiovascular habits that make you age faster, the latter is a big no-no.
Wagener warns: “The sun can wreak havoc on the skin. Too much sun exposure for prolonged periods can lead to advanced skin aging, wrinkles, sunburn, or worse, skin cancer.”
To avoid these problems, he emphasizes wearing the right protection to “protect your skin from the elements.” This way, you’re not putting your skin’s health at risk to burn off a few calories. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Desiree O
Desirée O is a freelance writer who covers lifestyle, food and nutrition news, among other topics. read more
