Exercise for a Healthy Heart

Workout Routines To Lose Weight :

One of the greatest risks to heart health besides smoking and obesity is being inactive. A sedentary life can lead to weight gain, weak muscles, and a weakened heart. Regular exercise can strengthen your heart, improve circulation, lower blood pressure and increase your energy level. You will lose weight, reduce stress, have stronger bones and muscles, and sleep better if you get regular exercise.

Exercise for a Healthy Heart

People who have been inactive for several years should see their doctor for a full checkup to rule out any heart disease or other conditions that may limit their activity level. After getting the go-ahead from the doctor, begin an exercise program that includes stretching, aerobic cardio workouts and strength building exercises.

Stretching exercises will help prepare your muscles for exercise and reduce the risk of muscle strain. Stretching also helps to lengthen the muscles for greater range of mobility. Stretching also increases joint flexibility. Even people who suffer from arthritis can benefit from stretching exercises by increasing flexibility and reducing pain. Stretch for about 10 minutes beginning with your arms, then your trunk and then your legs. Stretch each muscle group from your head to your toes before beginning the aerobic portion of your healthy heart exercise routine.

Cardiovascular aerobic exercise is steady physical activity that works all the major muscle groups. Prolonged activity lasting 20 to 30 minutes per day, 3 to 4 times each week, causes the body to increase oxygen use, strengthens the heart and lungs, and improves lung capacity. Aerobic exercise for a healthy heart includes walking, jogging, dancing, step aerobics, swimming and bicycling. A good aerobic exercise workout can be done on rowing machines, treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical machines. Beginners should not push themselves and adjust aerobic exercise to their fitness level. Try to work at about 65 to 75 percent of your maximum endurance until your fitness level increases. Aerobic exercise is also an ideal way to burn fat to lose weight.

Strength training exercises consist of using one muscle or a group of muscles by repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscle. Strength training helps to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass for a healthy heart. If you're new to strength training, start with beginner-level isometric exercises and light weights. Functional exercises, such as squats, lunges, pushups and crunches, are also very beneficial for all fitness levels. It's a good idea for beginners to join a gym with personal trainers who can offer advice on the most effective way to strength train and avoid injury.

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Want Cardio Workouts That Burn Fat, Stay Away From Elliptical Machines and Treadmills

Workout Routines To Lose Weight :

I'm sure there are a few cardio nuts out there that are offended by the tittle and what is to come. So if this is you, I suggest you close your eyes because I am about to let you and everyone else out there in on the secret why cardio workouts that burn fat do not involve elliptical machines or treadmills.

Want Cardio Workouts That Burn Fat, Stay Away From Elliptical Machines and Treadmills

If you do continue to read you will discover effective fat burning methods that will melt away your stubborn belly fat.

Stop wasting your time exercising on the elliptical machine or treadmill. It is time to ditch the long slow boring cardio.

Before I get into things I will first say this. If you love your elliptical machine or treadmill workouts and that is the only exercise routine you are willing to do, then stay on it. That is at least better than nothing. They may not be all that effective but there is no question that it is better than watching TV.

Treadmills and elliptical machines are boring. Why would you want to run on the spot for an hour straight? That does not sound fun at all, especially when you have better options available to you. You could spend half the time doing something that will actually stimulate a fat-burning hormonal response and stimulate your metabolism to a greater extent.

When people are involved in some sort of steady state cardio exercise not much thought is needed. Take a look at any cardio are of any gym and you will see it lined with TVs, magazines, and other material to keep you engaged. Having your thoughts somewhere else while exercising creates a disconnect between the mind and body. When this happens workout performance decreases and your results dramatically decrease too.

If you are the type of person who like to workout from home, these machines are a big expense. If you are going to spend that kind of money on exercise equipment that are better options for that kind of money.

There are studies that suggest that indoor running on a treadmill is less effective. The treadmill belt offers some help by pulling your feet back underneath your body, so you are potentially exerting less energy to move your feet and legs than if you were not on a treadmill. Plus on the treadmill you do not have the wind resistance to contend with making it easier yet again.

Plain and simple, elliptical and treadmill workouts are just boring!

Like I mentioned before when you lose that mind body connection your results drop. And if you are bored your mind body connection is broke.

Here are a few alternatives to elliptical machine and treadmill workouts?

Interval runs or wind sprint workouts - There is no question how effective sprints are for weight loss. Sprinters are always lean and muscular.

Bodyweight exercises - jumping drills, squats, push-ups, mountain climbers, lunges, bear crawls, planks, etc...

Boxing - You do not have to get out the gloves for this. You can do some shadow boxing if you do not have the gear or a training partner. A heavy bag, mitts, or pads work well. Don't limit yourself to punching, throw some knees and kicks in there too. Aside from burning fat and calories it is a great way to relieve some stress.

Jumping rope - or skipping as I call it is tough and effective. There are many variations here, all of which will keep your mind active.

That should give you a few ideas to get off the treadmill and elliptical machine and try some new things. Spice up your workouts, burn more fat and get better results.

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