Today I went to the gym for a cardio session followed by ab exercises. Cardio is something that I really do not enjoy doing, but force myself to do anyway because of the benefits! (Doesn't seem like Riley enjoys it either :P)
Here are some reasons why you should incorporate cardio into your workout routine:
1- Gets your heart rate up and blood flowing = heart health!
This is number one for why you should do cardio. It is important to workout your heart like any other muscle. If you don't... over time, it will get weaker and open you up to higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
2- Increases metabolism:
This may not come as a shock, but cardio increases your metabolic processes right along with heart rate. According to Bodybuilding.com, "the more intense the cardio session, the more noticeable increase you will see with regards to your metabolic rate. Intense interval sprints (also known as HIIT) increase the metabolism; the highest with a process called EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption). An increased metabolism means an easier time maintaining your weight, or losing weight as the case may be."
3- Improved recovery ability:
Doing a light cardio session after lifting weights helps decrease the recovery time. (Nobody likes not being able to walk after leg day). Cardio brings more oxygen rich blood the muscle tissues, which then helps aid in the repair and rebuilding process. You'll be back in the gym in no time!
4- Makes you feel better! (Really though):
Cardio exercises help release the "feel good hormones" which helps ease feelings of depression and tiredness. It also releases hormones that help decrease appetite. I always notice how I feel great after forcing myself on the stair master for 15 minutes. It may hurt in the beginning, but once you are done you will feel like a million bucks.
So there are few reasons why everyone should incorporate cardio into their fitness routine. I personally enjoy the elliptical, stair master, and walking fast on incline on the treadmill.
pro tip: FIND GOOD MUSIC.. it will make the time pass by faster when you are not constantly looking at the clock and focusing on the music instead :P