How much cardio is enough?
Sure, there's Pilates and yoga, but when was the last time you enjoyed the rush that comes after a cardio workout? There's no mistaking it: you step off the treadmill or come in from a jog and you feel fantastic. The sweaty, heart-pumping action tells you that you've challenged your entire body and you're immediately rewarded with a terrific sense of accomplishment.
Postworkout bliss is just one of the many ways that fitness does your body good. Cardiovascular exercise also fends off heart disease, the most common killer of Canadians, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Plus it fights fatigue and burns calories to help control your weight.
How much is enough?
Whether you're getting enough exercise depends on your fitness level and what kinds of activities you're doing. Of course, you should contact your doctor before starting a new fitness plan and to discuss your fitness needs.
To keep your ticker in tip-top shape, Canada's Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends getting 30 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity most days of the week, preferably every day. If you're wondering if you can count your half-hour dusting session as a cardio workout, remember that the Heart and Stroke Foundation defines aerobic exercise as activity that increases your heart rate, makes you feel warm and leaves you slightly out of breath.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Physical Activity Guide, 63 per cent of Canadians are not active enough to enjoy the health benefits that come from regular exercise. The government of Ontario is on a mission to get its citizens off the couch, playing sports and keeping active for a healthier future. Active2010 is its campaign to promote physical activity and sports. Its goal is to get people moving so that by the year 2010, at least 55 per cent of Ontarians are physically active.
How's your heart rate?
Click here for a handy reference chart
Whether you're exercising for a healthy heart, a trimmer body, a stress-free mind or just because, monitoring your heart rate is a great way to ensure you're maximizing the benefits of your workout. Check out Active2010's target heart rate chart for guidance on how to aim for a safe, effective cardio session.
Whether you're swimming, jogging, dancing or biking, find an aerobic activity you enjoy and you'll have a better chance of making cardio a part of your life. Looking for more ways to show your heart some love? Read these articles on heart-healthy exercise, and eating your veggies to stave off stroke.
