What Are the Best Tips for Cardiovascular Training?

Cardiovascular training is a great way for almost everyone to burn fat and increase endurance and cardiovascular health. The best cardiovascular workouts are usually a matter of preference, although following some guidelines can help maximize results and minimize injuries. Try different kinds of cardiovascular training to discover which workouts provide the best results, because everyone is different and reacts differently to exercises. The intensity, frequency, and duration of the exercises are all things that can and should be improved over time with a higher level of fitness, but the types of exercises performed are just as important to success.

Different kinds of cardiovascular training may provide better results for some people. Research and try out options such as regular interval training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or circuit training. These and other methods can be combined or alternated to make a very effective, intense workout program that does not get repetitive easily. Additionally, it might be wise to cross-train, performing different kinds of cardiovascular training exercises such as jogging, rollerblading, and swimming, to avoid letting the body become used to one particular type of training. Switching up the kinds of exercises also helps keep the workout fun and motivating instead of a dull chore that must be done.

Determine what level of cardiovascular training is appropriate before starting any new program. Do not attempt to do exercises that are below or beyond the appropriate fitness level, as that can lead to boredom and burnout or serious injury, respectively. Some individuals who are very fit might benefit from advanced HIIT programs, whereas a beginner would be wise to steer clear of this for safety reasons until a certain level of fitness is reached and proper form is learned. Regardless of the intensity level of the workout, a period of warming up and stretching before the workout and a cooldown and further stretching afterward are necessary to reduce the occurrence and severity of injuries.

Exercise should generally be done several times per week, for a reasonable amount of time for the individual's fitness level. For instance, less fit beginners might need to start out doing ten minutes of walking per day and slowly build up over time, while more advanced individuals would be doing themselves a disservice and might lose progress by performing only this amount. In order to keep a regular workout routine from becoming boring, it might be a good idea to try out different activities, such as hiking, swimming, or playing various sports.