Start in moderation and remember less is more when getting started but consistency is everything. Check with your doctor first and then a  good schedule to start is three times a week. The first workout if you are physically capable should consist of 5-20 minutes of cardio in your target heart rate. Get to where you are burning fat and not tearing down muscle tissue. The treadmill is the safest cardio piece for this. Begin by walking on a slight incline or use a recumbent or upright bike. Cardiovascular exercise will help increase your cardio health meaning your heart and lung capacity. For example: walking up the stairs...do you often get winded when you walk up a flight of stairs. Well, someone who is in cardiovascular good health wouldn't have a problem going up a flight of stairs.

The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise. You need to learn the 6 components of your cardio program, which are warm up, frequency, intensity, duration, cool down and resistance training. You must know basic nutrition needs and drink plenty of water. Do not neglect stretching for flexibility. Know your target heart rate.

220 minus your age x .65 Women

220 minus your age x .70 Men

If you aren't in your target heart rate and go to fast you will go into what is called an anaerobic state. Basically, you begin to tear down your muscle tissue and will  not burn body fat. However if you are in your target heart rate you will burn body fat which is what we all are looking for and you will increase your metabolism as well as increase the volume of your cardiovascular system. Learn how to get the maximum benefits from your cardio workouts, increase intensity when your blood pressure has dropped from doing the same routine for a period of time. Change your aerobic workout periodically by trying different machines or try a Group X class for variety. See  a professional trainer to get set up on a great cardio routine. Come to the club regularly and I'll see you there. Thanks Reid

.