Jane Morgan, a cardiologist and vice president of medical affairs for Hello Heart, dives deep into the world of cardio and its benefits for heart health. She explains how to identify what counts as cardiovascular exercise, the importance of heart rate monitoring, and practical tips for incorporating cardio into daily life. Jane also introduces the concept of 'exercise snacking' and emphasizes that even simple activities like walking can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Tune in for essential insights on staying heart-healthy!
Cardio encompasses a variety of activities, from walking to household chores, which elevate heart rate and support cardiovascular health.
Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio weekly can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Deep dives
Understanding Cardio and Its Importance
Cardio, an essential form of exercise, involves activities that elevate heart rate to promote cardiovascular health. It does not require extreme intensity; moderate activities can also qualify as cardio. Measuring heart rate can be done using various fitness monitors or by finding your pulse manually. Regardless of the specific exercise, the goal is to keep the heart actively pumping, contributing significantly to the prevention of heart disease.
Exercise Guidelines for Optimal Health
Health authorities recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, alongside two strength training sessions. To simplify this, engaging in an enjoyable activity for at least 30 minutes most days can effectively meet these guidelines. Interestingly, the method of achieving this exercise can vary, including everything from weightlifting to household chores. The key focus should be on incorporating movement into daily life to combat sedentary habits that lead to chronic diseases.
The Broad Spectrum of Cardio Activities
Various everyday activities can be considered cardio, including walking, yard work, dancing, and even climbing stairs. While the intensity may fluctuate based on conditioning and pace, all these activities contribute positively to cardiovascular health. It's important to note that any form of increased movement helps reduce the risk of stroke and heart-related illnesses. Regular engagement in preferred activities can lead to long-term benefits, enhancing overall fitness and quality of life.
Cardio — exercise that gets your heart rate up — can support good health in many ways. It can help prevent heart disease, increase your energy levels, decrease stress and more. In this episode, we cover what exercise and activities count as cardio, how to reap its benefits and how much to do.