Cardio Workouts Compared with other Exercise Programs

Blood must be delivered to all parts of your body to replenish these parts with life-giving oxygen and remove accumulated carbon dioxide. Blood receives the oxygen from lungs, to which heart pumps the blood that it receives from our body organs. In the lungs, carbon dioxide is removed from the dark red blood and replaced with oxygen that makes the blood bright red. This blood returns to the heart, which pumps out the oxygen rich blood to all parts of the body through arteries, and receives back carbon dioxide filled blood that travel back through veins. The heart must be strong to perform its task continuously for the many years you live. It is this strength that cardio workouts seek to give your heart. The workouts are high impact exercises like running and biking that gets your heart rate up, pumping vigorously and getting stronger. They also speed up your breathing and improve your respiratory system and endurance. As a result, oxygen-rich blood reaches the farthest limbs of your body and enlivens them. Cardio workouts do not directly burn fat and calories. Hence, they might not reduce your weight, if that is your objective. Fat is burnt through low impact, long-duration exercises such as a ten-mile walk. Cardio workouts are high impact and of shorter duration, say for 30 minutes. Weight loss is achieved through regular walking for longer periods. Walking might not speed up your heart rate and breathing that much. Indirectly, however, cardio exercises can help improve fat burning. The healthier you are, the better your bodily functions perform. Cardio workouts are also not strength building exercises. Weight training can build your strength but might not do anything for your heart and lungs. Yoga can help you increase your suppleness and exercise all your internal organs leading to high level of fitness. However, it might not improve your heart health. With a clear idea about the different exercise programs, it is now possible for you to plan a comprehensive exercise program that can improve your heart health, looks, strength and endurance. Cardio workouts are critical because they keep your life-sustaining blood delivery system in top condition. You have to be alive first to do the other kinds of exercises! If you are not used to exercising, don't jump all of a sudden into a heavy exercise program. That can actually shorten your life and injure your muscles. Consult a doctor and follow a gradual program. Certain medications might also make it necessary to proceed with caution.