Three Ways Cardio Can Make Your Heart Stronger

It is no secret that exercise is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease, but if you are not exercising correctly you could actually be making your heart weaker. If you are taking part in long periods of cardiovascular exercise at low intensities, your heart’s endurance may be improving but the heart itself is actually getting weaker because it does not require as much effort. Check out these three ways you can get in some cardio and improve your heart health. Interval Training Rather than jogging at the same pace for an extended period of time, keep your heart waiting for your next move by participating in interval training. Try running for a few minutes and then walking for a bit, repeating this multiple times over the extent of your workout. By doing this, you don’t allow your heart to find its comfort zone and decrease its output. More Intensity, Less Time You can also strengthen your heart by trying higher-intensity cardio exercises over a shorter period of time. This challenges your heart and tells it to generate enough power to meet the demand that the exercise requires. This type of workout also helps lower fat levels more than longer, less intense exercise. Skip the hour of walking on the treadmill and instead try 30 minutes of something a bit more grueling, like boxing. Group Fitness If you belong to a gym, joining a group fitness class can be a great way to improve your heart health. Oftentimes people find themselves pushing through a difficult exercise that they might have given up on otherwise simply because of the group dynamic. There are so many different classes available these days that you are sure to find one that you enjoy while also making your heart stronger. Group settings also allow you to meet other people and even create workout schedules with friends that will likely keep you more accountable over time. Just 30 minutes of exercise a few times a week is a great way to begin your journey to a healthy heart. What are some exercises you love that have made your heart stronger? Share them in the comments below.