SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -
Whether your goal is to get healthy or lose weight, exercise is essential.
Are you ready to start a cardio training program that will help you shed those unwanted pounds, look and feel great, plus boost your self-confidence? WTOC went to Exercise Physiologist Kristine Hammond at Fitness One to get some simple guidelines on where to start.
"If you are serious about losing weight you have to get that diet right and work out," said Hammond.
As a beginner, the first step is to simply get moving.
"Twenty minutes is a good place to start," said Hammond. "In all honesty 30 minutes, five days a week, is what we need to get cardiovascular benefits."
In order to really drop some weight, Hammond recommends logging 45 to 60 minutes of cardio most days of the week.
"Once you break into that cardiovascular zone past 30 minutes, you are really tapping into that fat store and burning fat," said Hammond.
To increase the calories burned during a workout, increase the incline while using a treadmill. That way you burn more calories without having to run.
Hammond said the key is being consistent with a routine and sticking with it.
Hammond offers these tips to keep people interested in their cardio routine:
Set up some form of accountability: like joining a gym or scheduling a work out with a friend
Set goals and start slow: do 20 minutes a day 5 days a week, then as you build your endurance go for longer.
Schedule something competitive: find a local 5K or fun run or walk.
Finally, pick a type cardio you may enjoy like walking or riding a bike.
Regular cardio training helps prevent a variety of diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Expect to have more energy, less stress and even sleep better. So what are you waiting for? Get started right now!
Join Fit Club with Lynda Figueredo every Tuesday on the news at Daybreak.
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