Incorporating low-intensity cardio exercise into your workout will improve your cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation. At the same time, they protect your joints while you burn calories sustainably and thus help you lose weight. These exercises serve as active recovery after intense workouts by relaxing your muscles.
However, beyond the physical changes you’ll see when you start the 15-minute exercise routine found at the beginning of this article, you’ll also notice a significant improvement in your mental health. The release of endorphins makes you feel calmer and your mood improves. The only thing you need is to be consistent and listen to your body so that this habit will lead you to a more active and healthy life.
Imagine cardio is like your favorite song that gets your body moving every time you hear it. Low-intensity exercise is the perfect activity to control your heart rate. What does that mean? That you don’t have to be a marathon runner or CrossFit lover to benefit from cardio. Boost your mood and exercise!
What is cardio and how to do it well?
Cardio is any activity that makes you breathe harder and increases your heart rate. It can be anything from a quiet walk, a dip in the pool, a bike ride, or a night of intense dancing. The secret is to do it consistently over time.
As you can see, there is no “ideal time” when it comes to cardio training. You decide when to start! Some people prefer to do their low-intensity cardio exercises in the morning so they can start the day with a boost of energy. However, it’s not a bad idea to do the routine in the afternoon after a hard day at work. This will help you release accumulated stress.
Types of cardio
Cardio is not just a weight maintenance or weight loss activity. These exercises also help your heart by improving blood flow and increasing your energy levels. In addition, your body produces endorphins, also called feel-good hormones, which are natural neurotransmitters produced by the brain that act as natural painkillers and produce feelings of well-being. They also strengthen the immune system, relieve anxiety and help you develop greater resistance to pain.
If you are wondering what type of exercise or training is best for you. We’ll tell you the two most popular types of cardio that you should know:
High intensity cardio
Also known as HIIT (high-intensity interval training), which consists of alternating short, extremely intense workouts with periods of active rest or recovery. During intense bursts of exercise, you push yourself to your limits and significantly increase your heart rate and breathing. This can include exercises such as sprints, jumping jacks, burpees or strength training. Rest periods then allow your body to slow down before the next intense activity.
Low intensity cardio training
The emphasis is on gentle, consistent movements compared to high-intensity cardio training. The point of this type of cardio is to maintain a moderate exercise pace that slightly increases your heart rate and breathing but doesn’t suffocate you. Low-intensity cardio exercises include walking, cycling, swimming, active stretching, or even yoga. Unlike high intensity, this physical activity requires a longer duration. It is advisable to do it for at least 30 minutes to maximize calorie burning and promote cardiovascular resistance.
Why choose low intensity cardio?
Working with these types of exercises allows you to activate yourself without overloading your joints. And while the calorie burn may be slower and more gradual than high-intensity cardio, it will help you lose fat if done consistently. When you start exercising, remember that 30 minutes a day is enough. You can gradually increase your physical condition, but without exceeding 100 minutes of activity. Listen to your body and don’t push it too hard.
Low-intensity cardio exercise is a friendly and effective way to keep your body moving, improve your cardiovascular health, and promote your mental well-being. If you are looking for a sustainable way to live an active and healthy life, this type of training is your answer!
