Aerobic exercise, or any form of cardiovascular exercise, is often touted as the key to losing weight and getting in shape. It’s true that aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, can help you burn calories and lose fat. But if you rely solely on aerobic exercise without including strength training in your workout routine, you’re doing yourself a disservice and limiting your results. Here’s why you need more than just aerobic exercise to get fit the right way and achieve the body you’ve always wanted.
Not all exercise is created equal
Aerobic exercise is great for your heart and lungs, but it’s not the only kind of exercise you need. Strength training is important for building muscle, improving bone density, and reducing your risk of injuries. And don’t forget about balance and flexibility training! By incorporating all four types of exercise into your fitness routine, you’ll be on your way to better health in no time.
Start slowly and build up your endurance
If you’re new to exercise, start slowly and gradually build up your endurance. For aerobic exercise, that means working up to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week. If you can’t do 30 minutes all at once, break it up into smaller chunks of time throughout the day. And remember, you don’t have to go all-out every time; moderate-intensity activity is often just as effective as vigorous activity.
Try yoga or Pilates, too
If you’re like most people, you probably think that aerobic exercise is the key to getting fit. And while it’s true that aerobic exercise is important, it’s not the only type of exercise you need. Yoga and Pilates are two other types of exercise that can help you get in shape and stay healthy.
Work out with weights, too
While aerobic exercise is important for heart health, you can’t forget about working out with weights. Weights help build muscle, and muscle helps burn fat. Plus, lifting weights has been shown to help improve bone density and reduce the risk of injuries. So if you’re looking to get fit, be sure to add some weightlifting to your routine.
Stay away from injuries with proper footwear
Your shoes are very important when it comes to working out. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to injuries, and no one wants that. Proper footwear will not only help you avoid injuries, but it will also help you perform better.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing shoes for your workout:
– Make sure they fit properly. Shoes that are too big or too small can cause problems.
– Consider your arch type. People with high arches often need different shoes than people with flat feet.
– Choose a shoe that is comfortable. You shouldn’t have to break them in; they should feel good from the start.
– Check for support.
Keep food in mind while you exercise
If you’re trying to lose weight, get fit, or just be healthier, you might think that aerobic exercise is the way to go. And while it’s true that aerobic exercise is great for your heart and lungs, it’s not the only kind of exercise you need. Strength training is also important for overall health and fitness.
Set goals based on your current abilities
When it comes to fitness, it’s important to set goals that are based on your current abilities. If you’re just starting out, your goals should be attainable and realistic. For example, if you can only run for two minutes without stopping, your goal for the week might be to run for three minutes without stopping. Once you reach your goal, you can gradually increase the amount of time or distance you run.
There’s no such thing as overdoing it. Use this guideline instead.
When it comes to working out, more is not always better. In fact, doing too much aerobic exercise can actually do more harm than good.
