Cardiovascular exercise, simply known as “cardio,” encompasses any movement that gets your heart pumping and your body energized. Think brisk walking, jogging, cycling through beautiful scenery, swimming leisurely laps, or dancing freely—activities that raise your heart rate and breathing rhythm. Alongside strength and flexibility, cardio completes the trilogy of fitness pillars, nourishing both your body and mind. Health experts widely recommend adults engage regularly in moderate to vigorous aerobic activities, and science continually confirms the value of incorporating even more movement into our daily lives. Let’s explore why cardio is such a powerful tool for your health journey.