Cardio exercise is a big part of many people’s fitness regime, and while there is a lot of benefit from regular cardio workouts, too much can have negative effects on your body in the long run.
According to research published in an article called ‘Potential Adverse Cardiovascular Effects From Excessive Endurance Exercise’ from the journal ‘Mayo Clinic Proceedings’, marathon runners or participants in other endurance sports, such as triathlons and rowing, are more likely to suffer from heart dysfunction, stiff arteries and plaque build-up – all of which can cause serious health problems.
It found that months of repetitive injury due to strenuous cardio workouts might lead to patchy myocardial fibrosis, as well as coronary artery calcification, diastolic dysfunction (the decline of the ventricles of the heart), and large-artery wall stiffening.
You can still get a cardio HIIT
What experts recommend instead is High-Intensity interval training (HIIT). This is an exercise routine in which participants split workouts between intense bursts of movement and less-intense activities. For example, if you do running as part of your cardio workout, you should try gentle jogging for two minutes and then sprinting for one minute.
Another finding is that too much cardio can result in weight gain. The more cardio exercise you do, the more cortisol is produced by the body, which, in turn, causes you to store fat – right when you want to burn it. On top of this, your ability to process sugar will be affected also, and if sugar isn’t processed properly this too can result in weight gain.
Or you could try something different…
Alternatively, try other forms of exercise to keep fit instead of cardio. Strength training, for example, is good for all ages, helps you stay toned and works well in conjunction with other workouts. Strength training is also good for bone health and stimulates the production of endorphins, leaving you feeling on top of the world after your workout. Since it also protects against heart disease, it could be just as good for your heart as a cardio workout.
Another option is yoga, which will improve your flexibility, your breathing and your posture. If you suffer from aches and pains, you should see an improvement here too. In terms of your cardiovascular system, yoga has been linked to lower blood pressure and will help you lose weight without having to rely on extreme cardio workouts.
As with most things, it’s all about balancing your workout routine, so you don’t overdo it in one area and get too little exercise in another.
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