The benefit of going easy

 

We all like to push ourselves to the limit and marvel at our sweat and heart rate levels during our Spin classes runs or other workouts, however, it is equally as important to spend time working out at a low intensities. 

 

The value of going easier to balance out the tough workouts can’t be understated. It is about balance and both of these intensity levels should have a place in your regular routine.

 

What Science Says About Low-Intensity Cardio

For many of us, high-intensity workouts have become the norm. We’re pushing our heart rates to the limit, trying to reach maximum caloric burn, and becoming totally spent at the end of every session. Research has shown that low-intensity cardio can play an equally important role in our fitness routine. Today we’ll explore the science behind low-intensity cardio and why it should not be overlooked.

 

The Benefits of Low-Intensity Cardio

Let’s look at what makes low-intensity cardio so beneficial for our bodies. Low-intensity cardio means you are exercising below 70% of your max heart rate with a light sweat and still able to hold a conversation—not completely out of breath! This type of exercise is great for increasing endurance, building muscle strength and balance, burning fat more efficiently, improving overall mental health and lowering stress levels. Studies have also shown that when done regularly over time, lower intensity workouts can improve your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and help maintain a healthy weight.

 

Low-intensity cardio also helps improve oxygen uptake in your body which is essential for healthy breathing during other types of physical activities such as running or cycling. 

When our bodies are better able to use oxygen efficiently during exercise, we can perform at higher intensities for longer periods of time while reducing the risk of injury. 

Additionally, by incorporating low-intensity exercises into our routine we can reduce post workout soreness which allows us to recover faster between workouts.

 

So how does low intensity cardio benefit us?

 

The science behind it centres around two hormones: adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol. 

 

Adrenaline increases your heart rate and prepares your body for physical activity. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism and increases energy production from glucose stores in the body. Both hormones play an important role in how our bodies respond to exercise but when we push ourselves too hard too often these hormones can become imbalanced resulting in fatigue and burnout . 

 

However, when we do lower intensity workouts these hormones remain balanced helping us stay energized and motivated for longer periods of time without overtraining or putting unnecessary strain on our bodies!

 

The importance and benefits of low-intensity cardio cannot be stressed enough, especially during times like these where there is so much emphasis on pushing yourself to the absolute max during every workout session. Not only will this help you achieve better overall results but it will also give you some needed rest days so that your body can properly recover between intense sessions - allowing you to stay safe yet still make progress towards your fitness goals!

 

So remember - don't get caught up in calories burned or heart rates alone - incorporate some lower intensity sessions into your routine as well! Your body (and mind!) will thank you later!