Cardio is probably the most popular type of exercise for those who train as well as those who don’t. The National Institute of Health has recommended that everyone get 30 minutes of cardio exercise five times a week, even if that 30 minutes is spent strolling for a leisurely walk outside. This recommendation comes after significant research that reveals the positive effects of exercise. In short, exercise, and particularly exercise that gets your heart pumping, has a number of beneficial effects on overall health. Here’s a quick list:

• Burns fat
• Improves insulin response
• Decreases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone
• Increases levels of serotonin and dopamine which are the neurotransmitters related to regulation of mood, attention, and objective thinking
• Increases levels of cellular stores of antioxidants
• Unleashes human growth hormone which slows aging
• Helps to prevent disease processes such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, immune disorders, and high blood pressure
• Stabilizes mood and decreases anxiety

• Increases the capacity for learning

We encourage cardio exercise of any type, but we favor diverse cardio training done both in separate sessions and as part of cross-training routines. The body needs to alternate between periods of intense activity and rest to fully activate the many benefits listed above. The period of recovery is as important as doing the exercise. If we alternate between moderate walking and intensive sprints, the body will have to work harder to recover thereby setting off processes in the brain that produce the desired effects.

Our Trainers will make sure that cardio is included in your training program, and further that you do it on a prescribed basis. Depending on your preference, you can do your cardio training at the Studio on our cardio machines and as part of cross-training routines, or you can do it on your own as prescribed by your Trainer outside of sessions. If you are having difficulty staying with your cardio program, your Trainer will meet you at your house or at an outside location for a run or fast walk. We want you to succeed!