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The Importance of Cardio



               Cardio – Origin: Greek ‘kardía’ - Aerobic exercise that stimulates and strengthens the heart and lungs.


               Cardiovascular exercise is single handedly one of the most important movements that you can do to improve your health. Whether walking, biking, attending a group fitness class, or swimming, cardio exercises help to lower the risk of heart failure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Movement helps to increase the strength of your heart muscle. Blood pressure and resting heart rate are both lowered with regular cardiovascular exercise. Physical activity also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The increased blood flow from regular cardio workouts help to increase oxygen delivery to the brain and body. If you are working through an injury, the extra blood flow and nutrient delivery will help your body to heal itself.


Movement can also be great for managing mood and stress in a healthy way by releasing endorphins, giving you that amazing feeling post workout and lasting energy throughout the day. Dr. Van Iterson at the Cleveland Clinic states “…it combats depression, improves your self esteem and releases tension-fighting hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.”


The American Heart Association, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend physical activity to prevent and treat several health conditions. Type 2 diabetes, some cancers, falls, osteoporotic fractures, depression, physical function, weight management, cognitive function, and quality of life can all be improved with regular physical activity.


  Heart Disease is the number one cause of mortality for men and women in the United States. Inactive and sedentary lifestyles have been demonstrated to increase risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and early death. 30 minutes of physical activity per day is recommended by the American Heart Association to prevent cardiovascular disease.


               Activities such as walking, hiking, and gardening are an easy way to incorporate movement into your daily life. Mild weight resistance training and range of motion and stretching exercises also help to improve risks associated with heart health. In summary, physical activity and movement are essential to keeping your mind and body healthy. Coaches Connor, Jess, and Lawrence are here to help you achieve your Fit Spirit.

 

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