Build Lean Muscle & Burn Fat with High-intensity Cardio
If you want to build lean muscle and burn fat - add high intensity cardio
to your workouts. Cardiovascular exercise is important for a healthy heart but
also adds lean muscle into the mix.
Ten to 20 minutes of high intensity cardio that is
performed three to four times a week may, in fact, help you get that lean body
you’ve always wanted. You can increase your cardio to 30 to 45 minutes if you
want even better results.
Cardiovascular exercise can come in several forms. If you
prefer being outdoors, perhaps you should take up walking or even running. Both
are high intensity and will help your muscles become lean. Interval training
will provide a little variety. For example, if you choose walking as your source
of cardio, trying doing this for five minutes then jogging for one. This will
stimulate muscle growth even more and help your body begin to take on that lean
look. There are also plenty of sports that will provide high intensity cardio.
The key is to keep your heart rate up for the duration of your workout.
If you prefer getting your cardio indoors, again, you have
plenty of choices. Most gyms have stationary bicycles, treadmills and elliptical
machines that will provide a good cardiovascular workout. Most of these machines
also have displays that show you how far you have gone, hog long you have worked
out and the number of calories you have burned. You will also begin seeing the
results very quickly as your body changes.
One other great source of cardiovascular is swimming. This
can be done either outside or inside, depending on your access to water.
Swimming works all muscle groups and will most definitely keep you in shape. You
will want to start out rather light if you have not been in a pool in a long
time. You can swim laps which will get your heart rate up and keep it there for
the duration of your workout. Other exercises can be executed that are also
included in the cardio category. In fact, many people prefer water aerobics over
other types because of the variety. Water exercises also provide a low impact
option which can be much easier for those who don’t like to run or are unable to
do so.
Aerobic routines can be performed in a gym for even more
variety. While most of these don’t include a complete cardio workout, some of
the more intense programs incorporate enough to give you the requisite exercise
that will keep your heart rate up for the right amount of time.
No matter what type of high intensity cardio you choose, be
consistent. You will begin seeing results over time and may be amazed at what a
difference adding it to your fitness program will make in terms of building lean
muscle.