The Health Benefits of Cardio (Page 2)

What is cardio/aerobic activity?

What Is Cardio / Aerobic Activity?

Any activity that gets your heart pumping faster counts as cardio—so try brisk walking, jogging, cycling, playing basketball, dancing or swimming. Lifestyle exercises, such as standing, walking slowly and lifting lightweight objects, may contribute to overall fitness, but the best benefits are achieved when you raise your heart rate and keep it up for an extended period of time. For this reason, regular aerobic activity makes your heart and cardiovascular system stronger and fitter.

Aerobic physical activity has three components: intensity, or how hard you’re working during activity; frequency, or how often you do it; and duration, or how long you exercise in one session.

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