Cardio Exercise Benefits

The term "cardio" relates to the heart, and is a short form of the word "cardiovascular". Cardio exercises consist of activities that increase the heart rate (number of heart beats per minute) by about 60% to 70% the normal rate. Performing cardio exercises can help gain fitness and handle daily stress in a better way. Cardio exercise also known as aerobic exercise is an easy way to burn excess fat. Jogging, swimming, fast walking, biking, kick boxing, rowing, skipping, cycling, sprinting, running and elliptical training are the different forms of cardio exercise. All these exercises are effective to keep you in good shape and you should choose one that you would enjoy doing.

Cardio Exercise Benefits

It is a well-known fact, that cardio exercises help an individual remain fit and fine. Cardio exercises have a long list of wonderful health benefits. Besides strengthening the heart and lungs, it burns calories and lowers body fat. Some of the benefits are listed below:

• It promotes heart health
• Increases the metabolic rate
• Helpful for patients suffering from stress and depression
• Increases energy level and promotes sound sleep

Any type of cardio exercise that is done regularly can significantly reduce the incidence of the following health problems:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• High cholesterol level
• Cancer
• Fatigue

Cardio exercises such as brisk walking and running are the easiest and do not require any equipment. These exercises can be done almost anywhere. Elliptical training is also a useful workout, and is especially beneficial for those individuals suffering from knee problems. For cardio exercises to be effective, it must be done everyday for a period of 30 to 40 minutes. An important benefit of cardio exercise is that it increases stamina. Simple tasks like playing with children and doing housework can be done easily, without getting much exhausted. A combination of cardio exercise and weight training helps in developing a well-toned body and building body mass. Cardio training enhances the resistance power of the immune system, thereby enabling it to combat infections such as viral illnesses and common cold.

Different types of cardio exercises not only increase flexibility, but, also strengthen muscles. Cardio exercises such as jogging or running makes the heart work harder and pump more oxygenated blood in lesser beats to the working cells and muscles. As a result, there is increase in supply of oxygen which is beneficial to the different organs of the body. In other words, it considerably improves oxygen consumption of the body. Cardio workouts not only strengthen the heart muscle but also increase the level of endurance of the lungs. People who regularly spend time doing cardiovascular exercise have hearts that work more efficiently, and deliver greater amount of nutrients (oxygen) to the working tissues. The working capability of the heart increases tremendously, thus preventing certain diseases that impair the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular exercise plays a very important role in improving concentration and mental stability. It eliminates anxiety disorders, and releases endorphins (happy hormones) to relieve pain. As you continue to follow your cardio exercise regime, you feel stronger, happier, more energetic and capable.