A cardio workout is an exercise routine that effectively increases your heart rate by a minimum of 60% its normal value for 30 to 60 minutes at the most. These exercises should be performed at least thrice a week and work great for losing some extra pounds, for managing your weight, reducing stress levels in your body and mind and increasing your endurance and stamina. There are a few things you need to keep in mind while planning cardio workouts for yourself and this is essential for the success of the workout.

· Goals – the first thing you need to do before you begin planning a cardio workout routine is to set some goals. Determine why you wish to regularly do these cardio workouts. Whether you are doing it to lose weight or simply to feel that overall sense of well being that comes with this workout, goals must be set.

· Fitness assessment – once you have decided why you wish to plan and do cardio workouts you need to make an assessment of your fitness level. This can be done by using a stair machine for about 10 minutes in one day. If you find yourself breathing heavily after this it is recommended you walk for an hour everyday thrice a week for seven days; move on to the cardio workouts after this. If you are not breathing too heavily and feel fine after the climb your body can handle the addition of jogs, runs and cycling to your workout.

· Personal trainer – the tolerance and fitness levels and the types of each body is different from the other. For this reason it is great to hire a fitness trainer who will help you plan a cardio workout catering specifically to the needs and abilities of your body in particular.

· Gym – cardio workouts can easily be done at the park or at home but joining a gym helps you stay regular and consistent.

· Diversity and fun – one of the most important ingredients of a successful cardio workout is fun. If you get bored during your cardio routine, the exercise will not be as successful. To find the routine you have the moist fun with try a diverse variety of classes such as kickboxing, spinning and jazzercise.

Stretch – cardio exercises are fun and healthy but as is the case with anything you need to be careful while doing them. The best way to ensure you don’t pull or injure a muscle is to stretch before you begin. Hold each stretch position for around 10 seconds.