GOOD QUESTION! And we get asked it a lot, so you’ll want to read this. As a 22-year professional in the field, I’m going to tell you 5 things about Cardio that you should remember forever. But in a nutshell…look at it this way.
We brush our teeth everyday (most of us). Hopefully even twice per day. What would happen if you skip a day? Would you notice the difference? What if you skipped a week? I’ll tell you, you won’t notice the difference. But what if you didn’t do it for 1 full year. Just thinking about that freaks me out.
If you don’t do ever cardio (or additional calorie burn exercises), it will have a huge effect on your mind and body. Over time, you will start seeing more and more issues. But if you skip a day, or a week…no big deal…just like brushing your teeth. (Still gross though)
It’s the CONSISTENCY of cardio that puts you in a really good position. Going for a 30-min run one time will only burn maybe 200 calories (less than .1 lbs of weight). If you do 30-min of cardio once per week for a full year, that’s 3 lbs. If you do 45-min of cardio 2x per week, and maybe you skip 5 sessions throughout that year because of “life” then that’s 30,000 calories and 8.4 lbs. Adds up doesn’t it!
Here’s the 5 Things to Think About with Cardio:
Heart Health and Endurance: Cardiovascular exercise (like running, swimming, or cycling) is excellent for improving heart health and boosting endurance. It helps your heart pump blood more efficiently and enhances overall cardiovascular function.
Weight Loss: While cardio burns calories, it might not be the most efficient method for weight loss. Focusing solely on cardio won’t yield optimal results. Combining it with strength training and a balanced diet is more effective for shedding pounds.
Variety Matters: You don’t have to spend hours on a treadmill or stationary bike. There are countless ways to get your heart rate up—rock climbing, hiking, yoga, pick-up sports, and even hilly walks. Find something you enjoy to make cardio more exciting.
Time Considerations: Cardio can be time-consuming, especially if you’re juggling a busy schedule. Consider shorter, high-intensity sessions (like interval training) to maximize benefits without spending excessive time.
Mental Health: Don’t ignore the huge mental health benefits of cardio. Outdoor cardio with some scenery is that nature you need. And when you exercise, you release endorphines and serotonin, proven to greatly improve your mood.
So, let’s answer the question. Is Cardio worth your time? Hell ya it is. Brush your teeth and do your cardio. Stop thinking about the morning scale number, and focus on the habit of doing it and one day you’ll wake up and be like DAMN, I’M IN SHAPE! 🙂
If you have any questions about CARDIO, I got your back. Reply to this email and we can help you out! See you in the gym…
Coach Mike Soster, NASM-PES, M.S.
Functions of Life – Fitness and Performance
(440) 263-0355
