Cardio - How Much Is Enough?

Everyone knows they need to "do cardio", but how much is enough? And how do you know?

First of all, the term "cardio" is typically shortened from the phrase "cardiovascular" meaning involving the heart and blood vessels. But most people already know that. You've heard the terms "getting your heart rate up", "working out", "exercising". You've heard about your target heart rate, sweating, moderate vs. vigorous. So, what's stopping you?

"Cardio" has become a code word for EXERCISE. Any kind of exercise.

A fitness specialist was speaking to a group of people this morning at an event I attended and he asked the audience "What's the best kind of exercise to do?" Responses included walking, running, stairmaster, etc. And his answer was "The one that you will do". Ahh, now we're talking.

The one that you will do. 

It doesn't matter if it is inside, outside, on a machine or otherwise. It's the one that you will do. Just get it done.

I love working with women. There are many differences in working with an overweight woman who wants to lose weight and working with an overweight man. Ever watch the "Biggest Loser" and see those big, husky guys just bawling like a baby? Then they show a woman half his size who just grits through it. I love that. If I give instructions to a woman on cardio, they have many questions "How long should I do this?", "Where should my heart rate be during this", "What if...." and so on. If I give instructions to a man on cardio, they tend to say "Yeah, but I don't like to do ____" [whatever I have asked them to do]. Huh? I didn't ASK you if you LIKED to do this! Sorry guys, don't mean to offend...but it's hilarious to see that and I hear it all the time from guys. "I get bored on the treadmill", "I don't like walking/running when it's too cold, or too hot", etc.... Again, I didn't say that you were going to float on air popping bubbles in the perfect air as you do your cardio. Cardio is work. Exercise is work.

That's the point. 

Just get moving. The one that you will do.

Doesn't matter to me which one it is - machine or not - just get moving and sweat. When you're working with a fitness professional, they'll give you the guidelines that YOU need for YOUR particular body and goals.

When you have a problem with your car, you take it to a mechanic. When you have a problem with a leaking pipe, you call a plumber. When you are overweight or obese [or don't know which one you are but know it is one of them], you need to call a fitness professional. Esp. if you've been trying to do it on your own, for years maybe, and you're still overweight or obese. I know ladies, I've been there myself. It's not fun. See a professional. Get it done. A good fitness professional will help you FIND the one that you will do. A good fitness professional will guide you to making your goals and help find solutions that will work for you alone.

So, how much cardio should you do?

I challenge you to find out today. Find out what will work for you and find the one that you will do. I am here to help you friends. Girls, grit up and go for it. Guys, might want to take some kleenex to the workout today...