You knew I would start here didn’t you? What I liked about exercise in the past can best be described with one word. Nothing. With 37% of Americans overweight, it’s clear that many of us are not following the latest fitness guidelines that prescribe an hour of exercise a day. In fact, there was no doubt a collective groan when people realized they would now have to find an hour each day to do something they can’t seem to find 5 minutes for. How important are these guidelines and what can you do to make them fit into your life?

Here’s why cardio is so important: It’s one way to burn calories and help you lose weight It makes your heart strong so that it doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood It increases your lung capacity It helps reduce risk of heart attack, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes It makes you feel good It helps you sleep better It helps reduce stress could go on all day, but you get the point

All of us regardless of health should be exercising. For the Cardio patient it is essential. The first thing you need to do is decide what kind of activities you’d like to do. These days, there are so many choices, there’s no reason you can’t find something you enjoy. If you like to go outdoors, running, cycling, hiking or walking are all good choices. If you like the gym, you’ll have access to stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, treadmills, rowing machines, Stairmasters and more. There is no ‘best’ cardio exercise. Anything that gets your heart rate up fits the bill

It’s not what you do, but how hard you work. Any exercise can be challenging if you make it that way.

Do something you enjoy. If you hate gym workouts, don’t force yourself onto a treadmill. If you like socializing, consider team sports or a walking club.

Do something you can see yourself doing at least 3 days a week.

Be flexible. You don’t have to do the same thing all the time–it’s boring and will lead to weight loss plateaus as well.

Feel free to turn on the radio and dance around the house like a fool. Do something…anything.