Last Updated on October 9, 2017 by MarcyPro
Cardio training is a great way to burn calories, scorch fat, shape your muscles and lose weight. If your main goal is to slim down a few sizes you are going to need to do a little more than just go for a walk or a jog every once in a while. Here are 7 cardio workout tips to help you lose weight, stick to your fitness routine and feel healthier than ever before:
- Focus on intensity
You may think that just because you jogged on the treadmill for 30 minutes or rode your recumbent exercise bike for an hour that you got the best quality workout in that you could. However, you are only going to see results if you push yourself. So instead of staring at the odometer or the timer as you train, focus on how you feel and getting to a point where you are pushing yourself. Intensity is directly correlated to fat loss so let the knowledge that the harder you work the better you will feel and look push you through your workouts.
- Don’t fast before your workout
You might think that skipping a meal or a snack before your workout is going to help you lose weight quicker but that is actually not true. A healthy snack, such as fruit or yogurt, 90 minutes prior to your cardio session will offer enough fuel to get a more invigorating and effective workout than you would get on an empty stomach. In addition to the healthy snack, try to squeeze in two tall glasses of water 90 minutes prior to your workout as well. Hydration leads to energy and proper fitness results.
- Work some strength training into your routine
It is true that cardio burns more calories than strength training does in a shorter amount of time; however, strength training offers some physical benefits that you just won’t get with cardiovascular exercises. One great thing about strength training is that a quality resistance training session always leaves your body burning calories even after you’ve completed your workout; a benefit that cardio exercises do not offer. Here are some strength training tips for beginners that should help to get you started.
- Stick to your diet
In order to lose weight your body needs to burn more calories than you eat so your diet is going to play a huge role in your weight loss journey. Most people tend to overestimate how many calories they are burning during any given training session so don’t think that just because you ran a few miles or spent an hour on a stationary workout bike that you will be able to eat an entire pizza without consequences. This doesn’t mean that you can’t give your taste buds a thrill every once in a while, just remember that moderation is key.
- Choose exercises that work for you
You have to be realistic about your goals and fitness abilities, especially when you’re first starting out. There are plenty of options when it comes to cardio workouts so choose one that you thoroughly enjoy, whether it be walking, jogging, biking, swimming, etc… If you push yourself too hard in the beginning, it is going to be both physically and mentally more difficult to keep going with your workout routine so take it easy, keep it realistic and have fun!
- Start slow
Going off of our previous tip, the best thing you can do when first beginning cardio training is to take it easy. If you are running, start with shorter bursts and distances. If you are working out on a stationary bike, only ride for a short amount of time and work your way up to harder and longer workouts each time you train. Your body needs to adjust to the movement and effects of any workout and jumping into the deep end right away puts you at risk of a wide variety of injuries. Take it slow, you’ll get there!
- Train at home!
The good news is that if you’re focusing on cardio, you aren’t going to need an elaborate setup and there is a wide variety of cardio equipment designed for home use available at marcypro.com that will allow you to accomplish all of your cardio goals in a comfortable environment without all the hassles of going to the gym or training outdoors. So what are you waiting for? Shop now and begin your journey towards a healthier, slimmer you today!