How To Get Started With Cardio Based Exercises Safely and Effectively

If you missed your opportunity to show off your body this summer, now is the perfect time to start working on next year’s summer body. Of course, the most common way to do this is with cardio exercise.

However, while it may look easy, it’s important to consider a few things before starting with cardio to not only minimize injury but also maximize your motivation.

Take It Easy!

Here is a common account of a regular person getting into cardio.

• Sitting at work, they suddenly decide that they have had enough and it’s time to get into cardio exercise.
• During their lunch break, they head to their local sports store and pick up a whole new outfit
• When they arrive home from work, instead of their usual routine of sitting on the couch they will go for a run around the block until they can’t stand up anymore.
• When they return home they exclaim how great they feel and that they will be doing this every day.

Sounds about right and with no problems? Wait until the last step is added

• The next day they realize that they can barely walk and they tell everybody that they are never exercising again!
• The next year rolls around and it all happens again

Seem familiar?

The reason why this is so common is that people think that there is no middle ground between sitting on the couch and exercise. However, this just isn’t true.

If you currently do no exercise then you should consider walking around the block a couple of times after your dinner for a week to be an accomplishment. Why? Because it’s called the road to fitness, not the super-light-speed-hyper-drive-path.

For this reason, take it slow as you ease yourself into cardio exercise. Once you have completed a week, gauge your fitness levels and how you feel with the view to increase the intensity next week. That’s right, the week. Not days.

Wear the Right Gear

If there is one thing which the person in the above example did correctly, it was to hear to the sports store to pick up a new outfit.

This isn’t a good tip because you should look your best, but to avoid injury. For example, if you are running in your sneakers, then your ankles and feet are at risk of injury because your sneakers just weren’t’ designed to absorb the shock of running. Similarly, if you sweat a lot during your exercises, be sure to find clothing which can draw the sweat away from your skin to reduce the instances of you becoming ill. Whatever your activity, be sure to visit the Groupon Coupons page for Nordstrom and pick up some activity-appropriate clothing.

There Are No Excuses for Not Stretching

Let’s just put it out there – stretching is boring! But guess what? Stretching isn’t supposed to be an adventure! It’s an activity or function. Why?

Stretching before your workout is the best and easiest way to release any muscles which have become tense or locked while you sat at your desk all day staring at your computer screen. Stretching provides a good middle ground between doing nothing and full exercise, meaning it can get your muscles ready for the torture you have planned.

Stretching your body after your exercise is a great way to encourage the flow of blood and oxygen to your muscles, helping to begin the recovery process straight away and working to reduce the pain and discomfort you feel the next day caused by a buildup of lactic acid.

When it comes to cardio based exercises it’s important that you show them the respect they deserve. Follow the tips listed above and enjoy a safe and effective cardio based workout.