We here at FN know about the benefits that come with living a healthy lifestyle. Apart from weight loss and muscle toning, the American Psychological Association says that "exercise may improve mental health by helping the brain cope better with stress." Not only will your body get fit, your brain will benefit from the physical exertion as well!Cardio is one good way to start a fitness routine. Whether it's dancing, running, or even using a jump rope, you can work your way to a better body one step at a time! Read on and discover ways to make your cardio workout even better than it already is.
1. Do warm ups and cool downs.
Stretch before and after an aerobics session to help minimize muscle soreness and injury. Pace yourself in order to give your strength and flexibility time to develop. While being in a class is motivating and tends to encourage you to do more than you would do alone, don’t overdo it. Remember that an aerobics class is no contest, and that too much bouncing to keep up with everyone can lead to injuries. Monitor your breathing.
2. Step up.
Find a sturdy box (minimum or four inches high) that you can step up and down on repeatedly. Or use the stairs. Intensify the workout by gradually using higher boxes.
3. Don’t look at your feet.
This motion can cause neck and/or back pains. Protect your lower back when standing by tucking in your pelvis to keep the lower back extended. When doing lunges, align knees over your ankles and avoid going farther forward. Never overextend knees and elbows.
Tip:
Boost low impact aerobics by squatting when doing sideways moves or apply some foot variations like raising the knees up.
Read these articles for more fitness routine ideas:
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
(First published in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Better Body Section as "Rev it Up!" in January-February 2006; adapted for use in Female Network; photo by lululemon athletica via Flickr Creative Commons)
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Trending on Network
