Cardio-vascular Exercise is useful in that it causes your blood and energy to circulate and helps to prevent chi/energy stagnation (note: if you are not doing cardio, you need to be doing soft chi kung to support your yoga or power meditation.) You will strengthen your immune system through Cardio [or chi kung] exercise. Just as with Weight Training, you can channel your stress and negative emotions into Cardio exercise, thereby releasing them constructively. If you choose to do Cardio, I recommend that you do it for at least 20 minutes, preferably 25 minutes (as often as you like, but at least 3 days a week). 20 minutes is the “bare minimum” to fully stimulate your cardio-vascular system. 25 minutes will “ensure” that you have stimulated it.
INDOOR CARDIO
Fitness Machines are quick and easy- they are in the gym, so you can use them right after weight training. However, more importantly, they are “softer” on your body than running outdoors- you will minimize the wear and tear on your body. Your legs are shock absorbers and you may want to minimize the damage that pounding does to them. If you have leg injuries, use machines. Your legs take you where you want to go, even into the afterlife, so take care of them.
*Cycles
*Stairmasters
*Treadmill
OUTDOOR CARDIO
Outdoor cardio, running for example, can be very hard on the body, especially the knees if you are running on concrete and pavement, etc. I would highly suggest that you find a grassy field or sandy beach for running. Dirt paths would be my second choice. What I’m stating is common sense. If you have bad knees, do yourself a favor and take my advice. There are however, certain benefits to running outdoors. You get the fresh air, some sun, a more natural environment, and there is something energizing about this, maybe even barbaric if you are pushing your limits. Both hiking and running outdoors leaves me invigorated- I find that outdoor cardio brings more energy to my lungs.
*Running
-note: the pounding of real "outdoor running" stimulates the tight area in the chest and clears it. If you are not well-conditioned or if cardio is new to you, it is perfectly reasonable for you to jog at a comfortable pace. Do not walk though during the 20 minute run period. If you don’t break a sweat, then you need to find another religion.
*Cycling
-note: cycling on roads is easier on the knees than running (no pounding)
and is a great cardio workout.
*Hiking
-hiking can be a great workout if you hike at a challenging pace
over long distances or tough terrain.
Now, having discussed Cardio, I wish to enlighten you to "confirmed" health information that most will not be aware of for quite a while. Cardio vs Chi Kung