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Cardiovascular Type Movement |
Here are some ideas on what one might do for cardiovascular exercise. There are normal activities, like running and biking, and less common examples such as windsurfing, certain types of sailing, skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and all types of group or individual sports. Even walking can be cardiovascular, especially if one hasn't exercised in a long time. Swimming is a cardiovascular exercise and for people who are overweight or for those who have any sort of joint problem, it is often the preferable choice because with swimming one can get a good cardiovascular workout without stressing the joints and ligaments of the body. Another place that offers a variety of possibilities is a dance studio. Dance is a wonderful form of exercise. There is very cardiovascular dance, like African rhythmic dance, jazz, ballet, and gymnastics and lighter forms, like ballroom, square, and line dancing. Find the one that fits you. Also, remember your local sports club has all kinds of cardiovascular classes and equipment. Step aerobics, for example, is a wonderful class, or try slide. And let's not forget about our old favorite: floor aerobics class. If going out isn't convenient for you, there are all sorts of quality, in-home equipment available, such as stair masters, versaclimbers, Nordic tracks, treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines--everything you can imagine, including a computer screen that will change scenery for you in order to increase your sensory stimulation and activity duration. Any of these are wonderful for getting that heart rate up! Of course, the assumption is that if you have one of these modern pieces of machinery, you're going to use it. Somehow looking at it each day doesn't make the body fit.
Remember, anything is cardiovascular if it takes you to your target heart range and maintains you there. Your target heart range is where you get maximum use and endurance from your system. It is also the heart rate range in which you use fat instead of carbohydrates as an energy source. If a person is really out of shape, target heart range can be reached through passive exercise such as going into a sauna or by spending time outside in the sun. If you are one of these individuals, you must monitor your pulse and heart rate at all times until greater endurance has been achieved. Experiment. Come up with ideas on how to give your heart some exercise. Start slowly. Work smart. Perhaps combine several passive activities in order to jump up to the next plateau. Over time, any person can work up to more brisk types of cardiovascular exercise and greater vitality. The key factor with exercise is consistency. If you exercise consistently, your body will become fit. Imagine how wonderful you are going to look and feel.
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