better quality of liFe: why cardio matters

Regular aerobic activity (aka cardiovascular training), whether it's walking, swimming, or your beloved 305 Fitness class, can help you live a longer and healthier life. Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for you. Most people know the effect cardio exercise has on the heart (lowers your risk of heart disease, improves blood flow, lowers your cholesterol, improves workout efficiency, etc) but the benefits go way beyond this organ...

5 Often-Overlooked Benefits of Cardiovascular Training

1. Expand Your Social Network - Cardio doesn't have to be solo on a machine! Group fitness classes like ours are great exercise whether online or in person! Aerobic activity takes energy, which is easier to muster when you are sweating, smiling, and moving with others. 
2. Boost Your Mood - Aerobic exercise can reduce the tension associated with anxiety and promote relaxation. It also can improve your sleep!
3. Prevent Cognitive Decline - Cardiovascular training can enhance your cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. 
4. Ward Off Viral Illnesses - Aerobic exercise activates your immune system in a good way. This may leave you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses, such as colds and flu (take that, COVID)!
5. Look and Feel Younger - Regular, steady-state cardio that focuses on your aerobic metabolism can enhance mitochondrial density in your muscle cells, which can help slow down the natural aging process and help you train faster and longer. 

Cardio at Straightline

There are cardio components to each of our group fitness formats, although there are a few that are more cardio focused. To add more cardio to your fitness routine, try 305 Fitness, Xabeat, Sweat & Stretch, or PILOXING. While 305 Fitness and Xabeat are more steady-state cardio-dance classes, Sweat & Stretch and PILOXING are interval formats. Interval training is a more efficient way to build cardiovascular endurance. Interval Training alternates short, high intensity bursts of activity with periods of rest (or low-intensity movement) in between. With this type of training you can experience a greater caloric burn, improved oxygen consumption, and gain muscle more quickly. 
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Get moving with us and reap the rewards of regular aerobic training! Join us from home or in the studio! Click below to view our schedule and get started. New to Straightline? Get our Intro Offer!

Straightline Class Schedule