| Normal 0 | | | | to losing body fat, and you’ll bring oxygen to your |
| Cardiovascular exercise is a requirement for both | | | | heart, brain, and other systems, the goal of cardio for |
| bodybuilding success and overall health and well-being. | | | | health. |
| It is perhaps the most hated and least rewarding part | | | | Watch the clock |
| of the bodybuilding equation, due to the monotony of | | | | You need to be on the court (with an accelerated |
| plugging away on a machine endlessly for hours with | | | | heart rate) just as long as you’d be on the |
| seemingly little to no reward. However, cardio | | | | stationary bike or elliptical machine. Fifteen minutes of |
| doesn’t have to be boring and it doesn’t have | | | | casually shooting hoops just isn’t going to cut it. |
| to take place indoors. It’s time to get some | | | | You need to be running, jumping, shooting, rebounding, |
| sunshine and take your cardio routine to the basketball | | | | and playing defense for 25 to 45 minutes if you wish |
| court! | | | | to gain the cardiovascular benefits of lifting. On the |
| Basketball is a popular sport for all ages. You can play | | | | other hand, be careful not to overdo it. You’re going |
| alone, with a few others, or in a large 5-on-5 setting. | | | | to burn a significant amount of muscle mass if |
| You can choose the pace, you can choose the | | | | you’re playing basketball for two hours per day. |
| intensity. And if you plan it out, you can use basketball | | | | Use all good things in moderation – you wouldn’t |
| to complete your cardiovascular exercise. | | | | be on the treadmill for two hours per day, so don’t |
| Benefits | | | | spend that long on the basketball court either. |
| Basketball can be a great exercise for the | | | | Cautions |
| cardiovascular system. Playing alone, you can shoot | | | | Basketball can be a high impact sport. Making quick |
| baskets, rebound, run half-or full-court layup drills, and | | | | changes in direction can place the knees and ankles at |
| easily keep your heart rate elevated in the | | | | risk. Also playing basketball at a higher bodyweight can |
| recommended range (60 to 80%). Your skin will benefit | | | | cause problems, as all that jumping does require |
| from the Vitamin D and tan that comes from sun | | | | landing, and hard landings at high bodyweights are very |
| exposure. Your mind will benefit from the break from | | | | tough on the knee joints. |
| the horrid monotony of the treadmill. Your competitive | | | | If you love being lean and healthy, but don’t enjoy |
| spirit will thank you for the feeling of accomplishment | | | | the hours on the treadmill, give basketball a try for your |
| that comes from making shots or winning games. And | | | | cardio session. |
| above all, you’ll boost your metabolism, which leads | | | | |