Cardio Workouts and Strength Training

There are various exercises that help you get into shape and keep you fit and healthy. There are also many exercise machines that enhance exercise and help you get into shape faster. Exercise equipment can be broadly categorized in to two groups, that is, strength training and cardio exercise equipment.

Cardiovascular or cardio in short, is basically for increasing heart rate. Due to a misconception, majority of people believe that cardio is for weight loss. Cardio workouts are directed towards heart muscle exercise, but weight loss is an added advantage as increase in heart rate results in fat burning. Elliptical trainers, treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbers, etc are some of the popular exercise equipment for cardio workouts. They include heart rate monitors that display your heart rate increase and also monitor's the intensity of the workout and the amount of calories burned.

Strength training or sometimes known as weight training helps you to strengthen muscles and also maintains results of cardio workouts. Strength training exercise equipment includes weight machines, free weights, resisting or balancing equipment etc. that help you to strengthen your body and tone it. Resisting or balancing may not necessarily involve weight lifting. It usually involves crunching of abs, doing chin ups and other such exercises.

In both, cardio and strength training, stretching is essential to get the best results possible out of exercise. Exercise is important for people who remain inactive for the better part of the day. Usually professionals whose job involves sitting constantly in a chair for hours suffer from exhaustion, depression, stress etc. This is normally due to lack of exercise. Working out helps you to become stronger, helps you get a good nights sleep and the endorphins give you a happy and elevated feeling, thus removing any depression or stress that you may have.