Choosing your cardio routine.

When it comes to losing fat, toning up, getting cut, whatever you want to call it, your cardiovascular exercise routine should always be a major concern.  Cardio can boost your metabolism for the rest of the day, and shred up your hard to lose fat if you follow certain simple guidelines.

We all think we can eat however we want, and then 'run' it off on the treadmill.  This is NOT necessarily true.  At certain intensities, your body will use different sources for fuel.  Low intensity over an extended period of time will use fats, carbs, and calories for energy.  Sprinting until you puke will force your body to use it's muscle for energy.  To shed that unwanted belly fat, I suggest 30-45 minutes AT LEAST every other day of moderate intensity cardio.  On a treadmill, about 4.5-6mph is perfect.  You want to keep you heart rate between 125-145 during your run. Most elliptical machines, stairmasters, etc have heart rate monitors, so if you want to switch it up because you despise running as much I do, try one of those out and find out your speed.

*Always be safe with your cardio guys, follow these obvious, but often overlooked procedures:*

• Avoid bouncing, and keep your head level.

• Keep your shoulders down and relaxed.

• Hit the ground with your heel first, and then roll to the ball of your foot, pushing off from your toes.

• Take time to warm up and cool down before and after a run.

• Don't increase your total distance more than 10% per week.

• If anything hurts, take time off until it feels better.


Keep your diet in check, keep your cardio up, and watch that belly melt away! Good Luck.


Stay tuned for a motivational post, and the importance of sleep! Thanks for reading.