THE MANY BENEFITS OF CARDIO EXERCISE
Cardiovascular exercises are an option for nearly everyone since you don’t need a gym membership to get a workout in. Running, swimming, dancing, biking, and even jumping jacks are all appropriate when it comes to cardio exercise. The American Heart Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services both recommend we get at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. Though it might not be the quickest way to build muscle, cardio exercise has many benefits. Here, you’ll find some of the best reasons to incorporate cardio into your routine. WEIGHT LOSS If you’re trying to lose weight, few things provide better results than cardio exercise. It’s one of the best ways to burn calories and fat. But it’s imperative that you also eat a healthy diet if you want to see results. You’ll need to burn more calories than you consume in order to see the pounds disappear. Swimming, bicycling, running,
and hiking are some of the best calorie burners if you’re trying to lose weight.
IMPROVED HEART HEALTH AND LUNG CAPACITY
Cardio exercise accelerates your heart rate and gets your blood pumping properly. Your blood pressure will go down and your blood flow will improve after you begin a regular cardio routine. Performing any level of cardio is going to strengthen your heart. Additionally, you’ll also notice improvements in your lung capacity. While it can be difficult to breathe during these exercises, you’re actually increasing your lung capacity by pushing your breathing to the limit. It gets easier over time. INCREASED ENERGY Cardio exercises are one of the best ways to naturally boost your energy. When our body is participating in physical activity, it releases endorphins. These increased endorphin levels give us a massive boost to our energy. It’s a big reason people run in the mornings.
TAKE A BREAK
Mother’s Day Brunch Rainbow Frittata
Inspired by EatingWell.com
INGREDIENTS
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Nonstick cooking spray
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Basil, thyme, salt, and pepper, to taste 1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced
1/4 cup sweet potato, diced 1/4 cup yellow pepper, diced 1/4 cup broccoli, chopped
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Cherry tomatoes, halved Sriracha hot sauce (optional)
8 eggs
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and coat a cast-iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In the skillet over medium heat, cook sweet potatoes, yellow pepper, and broccoli until soft. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour egg mixture into skillet with vegetables. Don’t stir but instead use a spatula to lift the edges of the egg mixture until it is evenly distributed. 5. Transfer mixture to oven. Bake for 5 minutes or until the dish sets. 6. Top with avocado and tomatoes. Drizzle Sriracha on top (if desired).
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