The best cardio exercise

When people see by photo at age fifty, their first comment is usually about how I stuck my head on someone else’s body. Then when they see a video clip of me at the beach, they say “Oh, then you must work out all day.”

Then when I tell them I do cardio exercise for only 20 minutes a day, they usually change the subject.

It’s funny how many people don’t want to know how easy it really can be to lose weight and get in shape. They’d rather think that you’re cheating somehow- instead of just making a few simple changes to their diet or workout routine. Instead of doing a little research into how weight loss really works, they will skip the fitness and exercise aspect of getting in shape- and spend money on a diet pill instead.

How sad.

Cardiovascular health and fitness is SO critical to your future, you should find a way to make SOME kind of aerobic workout a habit at least three days a week. Workout at home, at a gym, at work during lunch, it doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t matter what type of machine you use. You don’t need fancy equipment. All that matters is you do some type of cardio exercises.

So what’s the BEST cardio exercise?

The one you’ll actually do. I does not matter if you run, jog, walk, climb stairs, or ride a bike. Anything that keeps your heart rate elevated for at least 20 minutes will do.

It’s all in the laws of cause and effect: The longer and harder the workouts, the better they are for your heart and lungs. [Just be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise plan.]

Do you know what the NUMBER ONE factor in longevity is?

Aerobic capacity.

Not genetics, not a positive attitude. It’s how efficiently your body takes oxygen from your blood. So don’t waste time thinking you need to buy a new treadmill or elliptical machine. The equipment isn’t going to make you get fit and lose weight- your commitment to doing something at least three days a week is what’s going to improve your aerobic capacity and change your life.

If you’re just starting a new cardio routine, I know it feels challenging. Let me share something with you: I ignored cardio fitness for my entire life.

I hated aerobic exercise. My diet sucked.

What changed? My attitude. First I had to make my health and fitness a priority. Then- and only then- did I do what it took to succeed at weight loss and getting in shape. And yes, at first it was hard. At first I hated it. Then is just a few weeks, it became easier and I began to like it.

Now I won’t miss my cardio workouts for anything.

All it took was the initial persistence to make it habit. After that, it became one of my normal routines. It will work the same way for you. So don’t worry about finding the best routine there is- because there is no one best routine for everyone. Factor in your age, your circumstances, your personal preferences- and just do what you like.

The exact type of aerobic exercise doesn’t matter- it’s making something a habit that matters.

If you need help changing your habits, read New Body New Life. It’s helping people all over the world acquire new habits that are changing their lives. I know it will so the same for you.