Cardiovascular strength is paramount to any healthy lifestyle, and especially important when beginning a weight-loss routine. Every Monday we will share tips for getting your heart pumping – starting NOW!

Examine your daily routines and determine when you can commit 20-30 minutes to exercising. The goal is to incorporate cardio into your routine 3-5 days per week, so if you’re a morning person – set your alarm ahead. Night owl? Skip TV and get outside after dark. Need a boost mid-day? Take a jog during your lunch break instead of surfing the internet. Remember, this is time that you need to use in order to get in shape. It won’t happen by itself!

Pick an exercise! Anything that forces your body to increase oxygen intake and jump-starts your heart is perfect – like walking, jogging, swimming, biking, hiking, spinning, stair-climbing, aerobics, CrossFit – the options are limitless!Prep your body for any aerobic activity with a 5-min warm-up to increase your heart rate. Try a combination of jogging, jumping jacks and lunges to get started.Start TODAY! It's not too late to sign up: Join the Beach Body Challenge Now!