How to Add Cardio to Your Workout

It’s long been confirmed that cardiovascular exercise helps to increase your metabolism so your body can burn more fat, increases lung capacity and strength and assists with overall heart health. The benefits are high, but many people still find it hard to take the time to add cardio to their daily fitness routines. Here's how you can add this beneficial element to your workout without having to burn the candles at both ends to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Walk for your health. Something as simple as taking the stairs when you have the option to take the elevator or escalator during your day can add as much as 10 minutes of cardio to your routine every day. Instead of hopping the escalator at the train station on your way to work, opt instead for the stairs and take them as quickly and safely as you can. Be conscious of pumping your arms and lifting up your knees as good form can increase your heart rate that much more.
2. Avoid that chair spread. Sitting in an office chair is the doom of many people, and it can be hard to remember to get up and move when you’re engrossed in your work. Try setting the timer on your computer or phone to go off every hour. Get up and walk, if only to get another cup of water from the cooler. Do you sometimes feel worn down around 3:00 p.m. during a work day? Getting up and moving at regular intervals may just help you decrease your midday tiredness.
3. Count the steps. You can buy a step counter at most department stores. This handy little gadget hooks onto your belt or pocket to count how many steps you take in a day. Try and keep your steps around 10,000 a day, which is the recommended number for good health.
4. Go hard core. The most obvious way to add cardio to your workout is by adding a half-hour cardio session to your gym routine. Run or walk on the treadmill or the elliptical if you have weak knees or back. Make use of the stationary bike for a low impact option. Even making a point to include it every other time you go to the gym can allow you to reap the benefits that cardio offers.

Tips & Warnings

• Start out with 10 to 15 minutes of cardio a day, slowly increasing by 5 minutes a day every week until you reach a half an hour a day.
• Check with your doctor before adding cardio to your routine.