How to Stick to a Cardio Routine

Introduction

Many gymgoers underestimate the importance of maintaining a Cardio routine citing the infamous myth of “muscle loss” as the main reason. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Muscle loss occurs when the person stays inactive for long, consumes inadequate amounts of protein, or has a caloric deficiency. It can also result from ageing, where muscle mass naturally decreases, a condition known as sarcopenia.

On the other hand, including a cardio workout routine at the gym has numerous benefits, making it a key component of a balanced fitness regimen that supports your overall health and well-being. But sticking to a routine requires consistency, motivation and discipline.

This article highlights the challenges faced while following a cardio routine and provides strategies for you to conquer these difficulties. With the right mindset and will, you are going to be able to stick to a routine and reap the rewards.

Sticking to a Cardio routine despite obstacles

One of the most common problems people have is that they prioritise strength training and are left with little or no time to practice cardio. Their busy schedules and time constraints make it difficult to fit in regular workouts. In such a case, the short but demanding High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout can be your go-to cardio routine and provide a solution for your time constraint.

Another reason why people quit cardio is that they are unable to see results. Hitting a fitness plateau where you no longer see progress can indeed lead to frustration and loss of interest.

If you are going through such a phase, rather than quitting, try varying the intensity and duration of the exercises.

Repeating the same cardio exercises can also become monotonous and can decrease motivation. In such a case try to avoid repetition making your exercise fun and more effective.

Sometimes injuries or discomfort can result in a break from your routine and then it becomes hard to carry on. Remember to just pick yourself up and resume. It will only get easier with time.

Once you can identify the obstacles you are facing, it will be much easier to develop a plan to overcome them and continue with your cardio routine.

Benefits of Cardio

The benefits of incorporating cardio in your routines extend beyond just weight loss and stamina building. Understanding this fact will help you stick to one.

Cardio strengthens the heart and the lungs, enhancing the cardiovascular system’s effectiveness. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the chance of heart disease.
By increasing your heart rate cardio helps burn calories which is essential for losing as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
If you practice cardio regularly, you will experience an increase in stamina and endurance.
It helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good one(HDL).
Cardio improves sleep quality and this in turn will lead to better overall health.
It increases blood flow to the brain helping support cognitive function and improving memory and learning.
The release of endorphins in your body while exercising helps with any anxiety or stress you may be under, boosting your mood and general well-being. The brightening up of your day once you are done with it will help make cardio a regular part of your workout.

Types of Cardio

The key to sticking to one routine and being consistent is having fun while doing it. This is why it is imperative to choose the right routine for yourself.

If the end goal is to improve stamina levels, cycling or rowing helps.
If you wish to lose weight, you may elect exercises that burn more calories.
People who love being around nature more may try exercises such as jogging, hiking, or even cycling.
Social animals can give activities such as Zumba or other group-based dance exercises
If you are someone who enjoys solitude more, plugging in your earphones and using treadmills and ellipticals is the way to go!

If you are short on time, incorporating the 15/15/3 is a great way to ensure you are involving cardio in your routine as well. This approach includes walking on a treadmill for 15 minutes with an incline of 15% at a speed of 3 miles per hour.

Mixing this up on days where there is no time constraint with jogging in the park, cycling around the block, or even hitting the pool for a swim will avoid the workout becoming boring.

Not a fan of walking aimlessly on a treadmill? The HIIT workout should be your go-to. It consists of short periods of intense exercises followed by a break before you go again.

Chances are you will be gasping for air in 15 to 20 minutes but will always leave satisfied and return charged for the next day.

Make Cardio Fun

Doing the same thing repetitively makes the task monotonous and increasingly difficult to continue for longer periods of time. Sports come as a remedy for such monotonicity and boredom.

Whether it’s tennis, basketball or even soccer, a friendly game with your pals can help complete your cardio quota for your planned workout. Cardio will help you burn those excess calories while having fun doing it making each workout a rewarding experience!

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