A cardiovascular workout is one that works the large muscles (like the legs) and strengthens the heart and lungs. Cardiovascular exercise is sometimes called aerobic exercise.
To maximize the benefit of a cardio workout, it needs to be intense enough to accelerate your heart rate to a target rate, which is usually about 50% to 85% of your maximum heart rate. Your doctor can determine your maximum heart or you can use the following rule of thumb: for a woman, her maximum heart rate is 226 less her age and for a man, it is 220 less his age. Before you do strenuous cardio exercise, you should get the okay from your doctor.
The good news is that cardio exercise can involve a broad range of activities, including walking, running, dancing, kick boxing, biking, Pilates, etc., so there is sure to be something you will enjoy. One way to get a good cardio workout is to exercise along with a DVD. Here are five good cardio workout DVDs.
Cardio Hip-Hop Workout: Juliane Arney. This is a dance-oriented cardio workout routine that will boost your heart rate and burn plenty of fat and calories. You’ll learn dance combinations and moves that will make your fitness routine fun as well as healthy. To purchase this DVD go to www.amazon.com/Quickfix-Hip-Hop-Workout.
Cathe Friedrich’s Cardio Fusion DVD. This is a 71 ½ minute advanced step DVD that consists of various high-energy segments. It is challenging and strenuous, so it is definitely not recommended for the beginner. However, you can work your way through its cardio workout routines gradually to build stamina and strength. To purchase this DVD go to www.shopcathe.com.
Cardio Pilates with Ana Caban. This cardio workout DVD features a good beginner to intermediate Pilates routine with an emphasis on a cardio workout. It is not overly strenuous but will help you learn Pilates moves and routines and build stamina before you graduate to a more intense Pilates workout. To purchase this DVD go to www.amazon.com/Cardio-Pilates-Ana-Caban.
All Systems Go! The Ultimate Nonstop Cardio & Strength Rush Workout with Mindy Mylrea. Mindy Mylrea is a renowned fitness athlete and instructor. Among her accomplishments are National and World Aerobic championships. This 64-minute workout requires a body bar. It is intense and challenging. After a warm up routine, it kicks into gear, alternating between cardio and strength training intervals. To purchase this DVD go to centralhome.com.
Power Body: Fit to Dance Cardio Workout with Christi Taylor. This DVD will give you an intense cardio workout. However, it is fun because it is never boring. It includes step, floor aerobics, Pilates, dance and weight training and more in 13 five-minute modules. The variety alone will keep you coming back to this DVD. To purchase it go to centralhome.com.
Sources:
www.ideasforwomen.com, What is cardiovascular exercise?
www.amazon.com/Quickfix-Hip-Hop-Workout, Amazon.com: Quickfix – Cardio Hip-Hop Workout: Juliane Arney
www.shopcathe.com, Cardio Fusion DVD
www.amazon.com/Cardio-Pilates-Ana-Caban, Amazon.com: Cardio Pilates: Ana Caban: Movies & TV
centralhome.com, Cardio Fitness Videos and DVDs
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