Read These Tips Before You Jump Into Cardio Workouts

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There is a misconception that cardio workouts are just a lot of jumping and dancing around. For this reason, most people associate the activity with a fun night out with their friends. However, the reality of the activity is very different. Very different, indeed! Instead, intense cardio workouts heavy duty training sessions that can leave you on the floor in a sweaty mess.

With this (lovely) thought in mind, below are some great tips to follow before you injure yourself with cardio workouts.

Slow Down!

If you’re cycling as fast as you can on the exercise then you might want to take a look behind you. Can you see that nobody is chasing you? That’s because they aren’t, so slow down! Instead of jumping straight on an exercise bike or a treadmill and running until you can’t run anymore, take it easy. Start with a slow paced walk, then build your way up. Even if it means jogging for a few sessions, it’s worth the wait.

If you push yourself too far during your introduction to cardio workouts then you are only going to hurt your body, cause yourself pain while you recover, and lost a lot of interest in the exercise and become unmotivated.

Speaking of Motivation

On the subject of motivation, it’s important to have some. It doesn’t matter what it is. It could be a picture of a celebrity body that you want to achieve, a new work outfit from the Groupon Coupons page for Ann Taylor, or even your wedding dress that you intend to slide into in six months time. Whatever is keeping you going, keep it visual and always in your mind!

Take the Time to Stretch

Remember the pain that you get after your first workout? Where you feel like your body isn’t going to work again and you can’t ever leave your bed? That’s caused by lactic acid, and it’s there to help your muscles recover. For the benefits that it brings, there is a way to reduce the pain. A few minutes before and after your cardio exercise, always give your body a good stretch. This not only gets your body ready to exercise, but helps it to settle down and start recovering.

What’s to Drink?

Whether it’s plain water, lemon water, rose water, sports water, or any other type of water that is in fashion at the time, if it can hydrate you, keep it with you at all times. Cardio is going to take a lot out of you, which means a good deal of sweat. It’s important that you are replacing the lost fluids with hydration to keep your body going and in good shape.

Take a Break

When it comes to limits, your body knows yours. And while it can be tempting to keep pushing yourself further and further, it’s important that this is done with your body’s voice in your ear.If you feel like you need to stop and rest – stop and rest! If you need to take a drink – take a drink! If you are finished for the day – you are finished for the day! Whatever limits that your body is telling you that it has reached, respect it. It is too easy to injure yourself performing too much cardio exercise, and your body is always the best person to tell you when it needs to rest.

Wear the Right Gear

The last tip comes in the form of clothing and shoes. Walking shoes or general sandals aren’t going to cut it when it comes to cardio workouts. Neither will that heavy tracksuit. IT’s important that you exercise wearing shoes designed for the task and clothing that allows your body full motion and the ability to sweat and air. The last thing that you want to do is jump around in shoes that will hurt your feet and clothes that weigh you down.

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