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

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Aerobic conditioning is probably the most popular exercise that people do. Everyone knows they should do cardio exercises and most people know how to do some exercises. The most popular cardio exercise is walking and then if you are physically capable running is very popular. It amazes me when I visit Southern California and drive by the ocean how many people are jogging on or near the beach. Their is a runners high that is attained while jogging for longer distances that is as addicting as drugs but without the danger. Dopamine in the brain kicks in and the clarity of mind and body is exhilarating.

If you workout in a health club you will see a wider array of cardio pieces to use. This is helpful for a variety of reasons so you are able to work different muscle groups while working out all while working the heart muscle which is the most important muscle in the body. Distance, resistance and speed of the cardio exercise can work your body in different ways. As an example walking on a treadmill say 3.5 speed and 5.0 incline can set your heart rate for maximum fat burn at 20-40 minutes. Running at a high rate of speed will strengthen your heart but can burn muscle tissue also. Stair stepping is great for shaping the glute and thigh muscles while strengthening your heart. Elliptical's are very popular now and can give a great cardio workout without the constant impact of walking or jogging. Even if you are limited physically to upper body movements only, the upper body ergometer will give you a cardio workout that will keep you heart healthy. Entertainment systems attached to the cardio pieces really helps boredom of doing cardio day after day. Working out in a health club also keeps you out of the elements of weather and keeps you in a safe comfortable environment.

When doing cardio exercises you should check with your doctor to make sure you are capable of doing a cardio program then come to the club and have a health professional set you up on a program that works for you. Different programs for different body types. Not all people want the same results. See you in the gym or on the beach. Thanks Reid.