What is it: Cardiovascular exercise is the use of large muscle groups in rhythmic motions over a period of time. Cardio workouts get your heart pumping and may even make you feel a little short of breath. Basic Cardio exercises include walking, stair climbing, swimming, jumping jacks, leg raises, chair rows, and dancing.

 

Why it’s good for you: A properly developed cardio program helps lessen fatigue and shortness of breath. It further promotes independence by improving endurance for daily activities such as walking, dressing, bathing, house cleaning, and errands.

 

As we grow older, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Regular exercise can help boost energy, maintain independence, and manage symptoms of illness or pain. Exercise can even reverse some of the symptoms of aging. And not only is exercise good for your body, it’s also good for your mind, mood, and memory. Whether you are generally healthy or are managing an illness, there are plenty of ways to get more active, improve confidence, and boost your fitness. The Centers for Disease Control defines cardio, or aerobic, activity as any action that increases your respiratory and heart rate above your normal resting rate, sustained for at least 10 minutes. The CDC advises that generally healthy adults older than age 65 should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio exercise every week. Moderate-intensity activity increases your heart and breathing rate enough so that, though you can still speak, you would not be able to sing.

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What is TheraSpin: In an attempt to encourage optimal cardio health, Doves offers its clients TheraSpin. Doves' TheraSpin aerobic exercise program utilizes state of the art stationary bikes to  improve cardiovascular health and circulation. Our exercise bikes provide an impact free form of cardiovascular activity. Aerobic exercise stimulates the capillaries in the muscles, which helps oxygen and nutrients to be more easily delivered to the muscles. With better circulation, strained muscles and other soft tissue are able to heal more quickly. In general, aerobic exercise is an excellent pain fighter. Any form of aerobic exercise increases the body's release of endorphins, a natural pain blocker. Endorphins also serve to help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, all of which are common as we age or recovering from rehab.