You don’t need us to tell you that cardio can improve your health in numerous ways. By raising your heart rate through aerobic exercise (also known as cardio), you can lose weight, gain muscle mass, boost your heart health, and improve your quality of life. Plus, a number of enjoyable activities fit the bill when it comes to cardio. So if you don’t like running, try cycling, walking, rowing, swimming, skiing, or even kickboxing. If you can get your heart pumping a few times each week, you can enjoy a wealth of cardio exercise benefits.

Cardio can help you lose weight (and keep it off!).
Let’s start with one of the most well-known cardio exercise benefits: weight loss. With regular cardio, you can get rid of excess weight and (crucially) keep it from coming back. Cardio exercise can rev up your metabolism and keep it operating at a higher rate, which can help you maintain your muscle mass. Muscle requires more energy to maintain than fat, so if you maintain muscle mass, your body will naturally burn more calories. In addition, keeping your metabolism running at a faster rate will allow you to eat more of the foods that you enjoy.

Cardio decreases stress and improves your mood.
Cardiovascular exercise doesn’t just improve your physical health; it can also improve your mental health. By exercising, you can relieve stress and improve your ability to sleep. So don’t let your demanding job keep you from exercising regularly; let it be the reason why you choose to prioritize exercise. And if you struggle to sleep at night, try squeezing a cardio session into your day.

In addition to helping you de-stress and relax, cardio releases endorphins. These important hormones can reduce pain in the body and create a feeling of well-being or euphoria. Commonly referred to as a runner’s high, this feeling of intense happiness (coupled with a reduction in pain) is experienced by people who regularly engage in cardiovascular exercise. Scientists have not only determined that this is a common effect of cardio, but they have also been able to replicate it in mice.

In other words, running, biking, skiing or just playing an intense game of tennis or basketball can give you a natural high. Many people find that after they start to exercise regularly, especially if it’s an activity that they enjoy, they begin looking forward to exercise instead of feeling like it’s an obligation.

Cardio can improve your heart health and boost your immune system.
Cardio gets your heart pumping, which strengthens and enlarges the heart muscle. Your heart will pump more efficiently if you exercise it regularly, and you can reduce your resting heart rate. Improved heart health can also reduce your risk of developing certain diseases and health conditions, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.

In addition to improving your heart health, cardio can boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. Scientists and doctors have found that people who engage in cardio regularly have improved immune systems, though they are not exactly sure why this is the case. Some theorize that physical activity helps to flush bacteria out of the body, preventing illness from taking hold. It is also thought that since antibodies and white blood cells circulate more rapidly through the body, they are able to find illness and fight it earlier than in someone who does not engage in regular exercise. Whatever the reason, if you’re tired of getting every cold that goes around the office, cardio may be the key to shrugging off sickness.

Cardio can prevent many serious health issues.
By strengthening your heart and helping you lose weight, cardio can prevent a number of dangerous health issues. For example, by exercising regularly, you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Regularly engaging in cardio also reduces the chance that you will develop types 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Finally, as you could have already guessed, by helping you lose weight, cardio can prevent obesity and all of its related health concerns.

You can do cardio in the comfort of your own home.
All of these cardio exercise benefits will significantly impact your quality of life. So whether you prefer to run, walk, cycle, or climb, try to squeeze a few cardio sessions into your weekly routine.

The best way to ensure that you exercise regularly is to purchase home fitness equipment for convenience. After all, you can’t make an excuse to skip your workout when a treadmill or exercise bike is just a few feet away. If you want to enjoy cardio exercise at home, Fitness Gallery is here to help. We handpick each piece of fitness equipment sold in our stores, so you know that you’re getting high-quality products at a great value. Plus, we have top-of-the-line used equipment for those on a budget. To learn more, please visit our online store, or stop by our showrooms in Denver (CO) or Highlands Ranch (CO). Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect equipment for your fitness goals.