Sunday, July 24, 2011

Fitness Benefits of Cardio Exercises


Getting enough cardiovascular exercise remains one of the essential parts of keeping your body healthy. The National Institutes of Health suggests that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, five times per week, as this will help optimize your health. This exercise can include walking, dancing, swimming and weight training, so you should not have any trouble finding a way to get the right amount of exercise each day.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Exercising consistently can help you to use excess calories, which will prevent you from gaining weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that if you burn more calories than you consume each week, you will eventually lose weight. Complete about 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week if you wish to lose weight or maintain your current weight.
Improve Health
A lack of exercise remains one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease, which can increase your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. The American Heart Association reports that regular cardiovascular exercise can help reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol levels. While your exercise program might not influence these levels drastically, the effect that it has on your overall cardiovascular health holds significance.
Increased Strength
The older you get, the more problems you will have with your joints, muscles and bones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your exercise routine can lessen the effects of age on these vital parts of your body by keeping your joints and muscles strong, and slowing your loss of bone density. Those who suffer from arthritis should do low-impact cardiovascular exercise to avoid pain when working out.
Happier Moods
Those who get the proper cardiovascular exercise will see their mood improve every day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that regular exercise reduces your risk of depression and can even help with your cognitive skills. Even light levels of exercise can help, if you do not have time for the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Longevity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you have a 40 percent lower chance of dying young if you remain physically active for over seven hours per week. This does not mean that you must exercise vigorously for seven hours, but must maintain some level of activity. Those who do not exercise at least 30 minutes per week have a much higher chance of dying at a young age.