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For a program to be truly effective, it must include both cardiovascular and strength training activities. True, you burn more calories during cardiovascular activity sustained within your target heart rate zone for 20-mins or more, but weight training builds muscle, tones and strengthens your body, and keeps your metabolism at an optimal level. Muscle is also where fat is burned!
Cardio 411
The Benefits of Cardiovascular Training
The benefits of consistent training extend beyond the obvious changes that occur. Yes, your physique will shrink, the number on your scale will go down, and your wardrobe will become more flattering. In the short term, you will:
• Develop a healthier heart
• Increase endurance
• Strengthen muscles, bones and joints
• Sleep better
• Improve sense of well-being
• Cope with stress better
• Burn calories more efficiently
Those are some great benefits for a modest time commitment on your part. But wait, there is more…over the long-term, regular physical activity will also reduce your risk of:
• Dying prematurely
• Dying from heart disease
• Developing diabetes
• Developing high blood pressure
• Becoming obese
Some studies correlate regular exercise with a lower incidence of colon, breast, lung and multiple myeloma cancers.
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Clearer thoughts. I’ve been saying for years that I do my best thinking when I’m running. This is especially true outdoors AND when I don’t listen to anything other than my rhythmic breathing and feet hitting the pavement. While I don’t have scientific evidence to support it, my hunch is that being alone, with no other distractions, helps to organize your thoughts. Or, maybe the soothing effects of being in close proximity to nature reduces daily stresses long enough to let clear thoughts emerge.
Don’t like sustained bouts of cardio, you say?
If you are one of those exercise-loathing souls, then perhaps the idea of having time to yourself will make it more enjoyable. Just think — while you walk/jog/run, you can reacquaint yourself with your own, original thoughts (ones that you actually conjure up on your own and can sustain for longer than 60 seconds without being interrupted by Pokeman facts, Webkinz’ pet names, and snack requests). For many moms I know, this benefit alone sends them out the door with smoke on their heels. Over time, they learn to enjoy the actual exercise part too (wink). The natural endorphins probably don’t hurt either.
Whatever the case, if you want to clear your head, then hit the trail (and leave your iPod at home).