Sure it’s really just a greeting card-induced holiday, but admit it, February is synonymous with love. This is the time of the year when we pay particular attention to our hearts and the people who fill them with love. While I’m a big fan of love, that shouldn’t be the only reason you think of your heart. Your heart is the most important muscle in your body: once that’s gone, your done. Like any muscle, to keep your heart strong and beating for years to come, you have to exercise it, consistently.

Cardiovascular exercise, cardio, aerobics, whatever you want to call it, this is the type of exercise that helps build and maintain a strong heart. Exercise that gets you breathing hard, your blood pumping and your heart beating is what we’re talking about. Don’t get me wrong, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises are also important, but it is the exercises that get you moving that led to a strong heart.


How much cardiovascular exercise is really necessary is an area of debate. You can find recommendations ranging from 10 minutes every other day are enough to keep your heart strong to 60 minutes daily is required for any type of benefit. The reality is, it’s some where in between. Ideally, the goal would be for at least 30 minutes of heart pumping movement, three times a week while over time gradually increasing the intensity. While a half-hour three times a week might not always be feasible, it’s a good goal to strive for and understand that any exercise is better than none. No need to go for that “all or nothing” mentality. If you can’t squeeze in a full cardio session, you can still sneak some into your day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator; you’ll definitely feel your heart pumping by the time you get to the top. Park far away and walk briskly to your destination. Do a few jumping jacks while you’re waiting for the clothes to finish in the dryer. These may sound silly, but sneaking in some cardio whenever you can, is better than doing nothing and your heart will appreciate the effort.

Finding the right type of cardio activity that will keep you interested, motivated and consistent can be tricky. Figure out what you like best and go in that direction. For example, if you’re a team player kind of person then sign up for a basketball league or tennis or soccer. Having that commitment to the team will keep you coming back each time. However, if you prefer the great outdoors, try running, cycling or hiking. Or perhaps you really enjoy being inside when you exercise, no worries there, there are plenty of options: dancing, group fitness classes, swimming, jump roping, cardio machines such as treadmills, rowing, stair climbing, etc. The options really are endless. The point is to move your body and elevate your heart rate and do it often. Do one thing or ten; just choose something that you will do on a consistent basis.

Is there a better time to do cardio? Will your heart benefit more from a morning workout or one in the evening? The fact is, there's no perfect time to exercise your heart. Again, you have to go with what works for you. If the thought of getting up at 6am to run makes you nauseous, then don’t do it. Sleep in and workout later. If a post-work workout never comes to fruition because you always end up working late or have some other issue arise, then you need to pick a different time. Listen to your body. It'll tell you when's the good time to do cardio. Set a schedule, make exercise a priority and stick to it.

When you exercise your heart on a regular basis, your heart gets stronger. The stronger your heart, the easier it’s job is and the more likely it’ll work for years and years to come. So, show your heart some love this season and exercise it, on a regular basis.

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