Every year, around 647,000 Americans die from heart disease, which means this is the top killer in our nation. And what’s worse is, around 30 million Americans per year are diagnosed with heart disease.
While these are scary statistics, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Not only can you eat healthier, but you can also incorporate cardio exercises to strengthen your heart.
But there’s such a thing as doing cardio wrong! Read on for 4 common cardio mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Doing Too Much Cardio
You know how they say that too much of a good thing is a bad thing? This applies to cardio exercise as well.
Add some cardio to your routine can be good, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle. But if you’re too crazy about it, it can actually interfere with your body’s recovery phase in between workouts. It can also cause injuries to your joints and connective tissues.
Ideally, 2 to 3 days dedicated to your weekly cardio routine is enough as a starting point. You should only increase the frequency in the future if you’re aiming for higher fitness goals.
2. Forcing Yourself to Do Exercises You Hate
Getting yourself to exercise might be a monumental task already. So you shouldn’t force yourself to do exercises you hate! Otherwise, you’ll dread your workouts even more.
The truth is, there are many types of cardio, and they all do the same thing: burn calories and improve heart health. So if you hate running outside, then turn to home cardio machines like treadmills. Joining a virtual running club can also help with motivation (find out more about the benefits here: https://sunriserunco.com/5-reasons-to-join-a-virtual-running-club/).
3. Not Doing Your Exercises Intensely Enough
It’s not enough to simply casually walk on a treadmill. You’ll only reap the benefits of cardio if you get your heart rate up and sustain it for a bit.
So put away your phone or book and focus completely on your exercises. If you’re doing them right, then you shouldn’t have the capacity to do something else!
4. Overeating
You might think that cardio workouts burn a ton of calories, so you can eat whatever you like afterward. But this is a huge mistake.
These exercises don’t burn as many calories as you think. Cardio does stimulate your appetite though, so be mindful of that.
You can still eat a little extra, but be mindful of how many calories are going in and how much you’re burning (both from your basal metabolic rate and from your exercises). It can be helpful to keep a log so you stay on track with your weight loss goals.
Avoid These Common Cardio Mistakes
By knowing these common cardio mistakes, you can avoid wasting your time and energy. As a result, you’ll get into better shape and make the most out of your workouts!
Want to learn more about improving your health and fitness levels? Then check out our other blog articles!