It's a no-brainer that cardio can greatly help lose weight. The more important question is, how much of that is required for weight loss?

The answer will largely vary on every case and preference. For one, weight loss is not the same for everyone, so basically not one thing can be advised for those trying to shed some pounds. Second, cardio, and any other workout routines, would require some time allotment. Third, it would also depend on goals.

There are loads of factors to consider but there are some streaks that stay the same for everybody. One of that is the need to move and the need to stop being a couch potato. Another is that exercise is an effective way for weight loss, and that includes cardio.

The importance of cardio for the maintenance of a healthy body was backed up by Michelin Turnau, a manager at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, which, together with the American Health Association, recommends at least 150-minutes of moderate to vigorous activities a week for adults for a healthy heart.

Simone De La Rue, a celebrity fitness trainer, talked about how much cardio is needed to lose weight effectively. She also stressed that the level of moving is an important factor in weight loss and that the kind of cardio is essential as well, saying one needs to allot 20 to 30 minutes of intense workout per day if the goal is indeed to shed extra pounds.

"When you are trying to lose weight, we do want to focus on getting the heart rate up, getting to a calorie-burning state," De La Rue explained.

While cardio is often left in the dark by some people because it is pretty much tiring, De La Rue reassured everyone that even dancing is a good and an enjoyable type of cardio to lose weight. Of course, cardio and other sorts of workout would be useless without pairing it with healthy eating.

Simple Activities

Yes, cardio is time-consuming, but occupied people should not at all let their busy schedule get in the way of doing some moving. It turns out that one need not to adhere to the typical workouts available as there are many ways to creatively get the heart rate up.

Possibly the mother of the workouts, chores could easily make anyone sweat. Clean the house, mow the lawn, or create a landscape in the garden, anything that entails movement can help anyone lose weight. A mere walk in the park can also help and make sure to bring a friend for company.

Whatever it is one is doing cardio for — for weight loss or for a healthy heart — the bottom line is that it will greatly impact one's overall health. The key to success probably is determination matched with discipline in attaining the goals.