CARDIO, YOU GOTTA DO
WHAT YOU GOTTA DO
(A NECESSARY EVIL!)
|
|
This page used to be titled
"Aerobics". I changed the title, though, because the word aerobics
seems to conjure up images of women in leg warmers bouncing up and down
on a step saying things like "Let's go ladies, burn those calories!" I
actually want to focus on the heart of the matter, (pun intended). To
start with, I don't really hate all aerobic activity, I just get really
bored with walking on a treadmill and the like. Actually, I rather
enjoy an early morning, (4:30 A.M.), 3-mile jog, when it's still dark
out, and the bats are flying, but that's just me.I also enjoy hopping
on my bicycle and pedaling around the 'hood, or down my local trail. So
here are my opinions on aerobic activity;
  Everyone
needs to engage in some form of aerobic activity. The heart is a
muscle, and needs direct exercise just as any other muscle does. Also,
cardiovascular exercise helps keep your metabolism running and burns
fat very efficiently. This does not mean you have to spend endless time
on a treadmill however. Any activity that elevates your heart rate and
breathing for an extended period of time is aerobic by definition. For
example a person who works as a hod carrier, or a laborer for a
concrete flat work company, probably only needs to supplement his
exercise with a minimum of additional aerobic activity. As a rule you
should try to engage in some sort of aerobic activity for a minimum of
30 - 45 minutes, 3 - 4 times a week. Try to do something you enjoy, or
you will probably just end up blowing it off more often than you
should, believe me I KNOW! I somehow always look forward to the days
that I have a lifting session planned, but aerobics don't generate the
same enthusiasm so you have to keep yourself interested. As I said, I
love to hop on my ten speed bicycle and take rides for hours sometimes,
it's interesting, enjoyable, and great exercise. Jogging is also great
aerobic exercise, as a matter of fact it is the aerobic activity I
partake in most often.
 You could also consider
buying a jump rope. You might be surprised at the intense
cardiovascular workout a seven foot piece of rope can provide.
  Of course sex
is probably the single most favorite and enjoyable aerobic exercise of
all time, however, remember that to be beneficial, you really must keep
your heart rate and breathing elevated for at least 20-30 minutes. I
imagine most women do not see any problem there, but you guys better
work on that endurance!
I consider getting up and jogging 3-5 miles, my cardio "workouts". However, I don't let it stop there,
for the most part I try to stay active. Even if you're not "working
out" that doesn't mean you can't go for a hike, or hop on a bicycle and
ride a few miles. Take the dog for a nice long walk. Remember you only
have one heart, and take it from someone who had a heart attack at the
ripe old age of 32, (yes, a heart attack, and I damn near died, but
again, that's another story), aerobics may be dull and boring, but the
results are worth it ! Not only that but they just might help burn off
that six-pack you drank watching the Broncos!
|
