07/10/2025
We all know cardiovascular exercise, where we raise our heart rate and challenge our bodies to move with more exertion is good for us.
We shouldn’t forget also that doing it regularly can significantly lower the risk of major health conditions, including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer—ultimately reducing the likelihood of premature mortality by up to 30%.
It is recommended that 150 minutes a week moderate intensity exercise can be enough to get these health benefits.
This includes exerting your heart rate at about 65-75% effort level or to the stage when conversation becomes challenging
Adding short, high-intensity intervals above 75% effort or maximal level when it becomes increasingly difficult to talk, is shown to bring further health benefits. Pushing your level of exertion causes a boost of oxygen intake and this then stimulates mitochondrial growth. Mitochondria are vital for metabolism and serve as the main source of ATP which has a positive effect of powering muscle activity and efficiency.
Although pushing yourself into hard levels of discomfort is challenging the bonus is that it’s for a short intervals and the overall session is shorter. Most importantly it’ll bring you added benefits than longer sessions of moderate exercise and the feel good factor that will keep you going.
We might know the benefits but often the biggest barrier I hear my clients come up against is finding the time for yourself to prioritise your health and well-being.
Life is busy and we all have work and family and social commitments that use up our time and energy.
I know this juggle only too well…. Last week I was very short on time to get my running training in. So I decided to use the school drop off and pick up to run with my son to and from school . It wasn’t the most focussed training in honesty but it’s real and functional training I guess!
In total I clocked up 12 miles over the week and had some fun with high intensity sprint intervals playing catch up and (mainly trying to ) overtake my son on his bike.
Cardo vascular exercise doesn’t have to be in a gym or exercise class if that is not your thing or you don’t feel you have the time to get to a gym or place to exercise.
If you are short on time, then think about how exercise can fit into your daily routines or home life .
Remember something is better than nothing.
The small steps and bits of effort lead to the bigger things, when you pick up healthy habits these can be life changing.
Is there a journey you could substitute the car for going on foot or bike?
Could you squeeze some activity in during your lunch break or before or after work?
Maybe there are some stairs you could use to do some high intensity intervals?
If you are looking for ideas to get started or support being creative planning some exercise and movement into your lifestyle then get in touch, I’d love to help.