Know Your Cardio

That's a cute catchy title, right?  Progress is being made. 

Back to the point:  I talk a lot of talk (or write a lot of words?  you get what I mean) about the importance of eating healthy foods, but eating right won't improve your health alone.  Cardio exercise is 100% necessary to being healthy! 

Cardio exercise includes any activity in which you move large muscle groups for at least 15 minutes at an elevated heart rate.  Cardio activities are important because they help condition your heart and lungs to move blood and oxygen throughout your body more efficiently.  If you don't care about your body spreading blood and oxygen efficiently, remember this:  cardio activities also burn body fat. 

Which means you can further reduce your guilt from treating yourself to unhealthy foods every now and then by performing at least 30 minutes of cardio five days a week! 

Fun/Easy Cardio Activities:

- Walking

This might be the most fun cardio exercise on the list because it is EASY!!!  Especially for students who have the option of walking to class!  (Gasp.)  That's right.  Resist the temptation to drive thirty seconds down the street and walk to class to be healthier. 

- Running

This is admittedly less fun and less easy than walking, at least for me.  If you can do it, more power to you.  If you can't, try running just a little bit every day and gradually you will be able to run faster and longer.  It's working for me anyway!  :)

- Aerobic Dance

Disguising a workout in a dance party can be extremely effective, especially if you happen to be "working out" with your friends.  Make a few of your friends join you for a Zumba workout or a similar music-based dance workout and you'll be hooked!

- Swimming

Even though this cardio activity is for the most part seasonal (if you have access to an indoor pool, take advantage of it), swimming is a fun way to work out your entire body.  Swimming is also much easier on  your joints if walking or running causes you joint pain. 

- Sports

Even if you are not blessed with natural grace and athleticism like I am (ha.), partaking in fun sports games like intramurals will allow you the cardio exercise you need while having a good time. 

As you can see, getting your daily dose of cardio can be easier than you think, even if you have a hectic college-paced schedule.  There are many ways to get the cardio exercise you need, but be sure to try these fun and, most importantly, EASY ways to get your cardio on the go.  (There I go being cute and catchy again.  It's working!)