Cardiovascular fitness
Cardiovascular fitness refers to a health-related component of
Understanding the relationship between
To facilitate optimal delivery of oxygen to the working muscles, an individual needs to train or participate in activities that will build up the energy stores needed for sport. This is referred to as metabolic training. Metabolic training is generally divided into two types: aerobic and anaerobic. A 2005 Cochrane review demonstrated that physical activity interventions are effective for increasing cardiovascular fitness.[3]
Cardiovascular fitness is a measure of how well the heart, lungs, and blood vessels can transport oxygen to the muscles during exercise. It is an important component of overall fitness and has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved cognitive function, and increased longevity. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that higher levels of cardiovascular fitness were associated with a lower risk of mortality from all causes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.[4]
A cardiovascular workout consists of exercises[5] that increases heart rate; a strong cardiovascular system houses more capillaries providing more oxygen to muscle cells.
Beneficial amounts of physical activity
Regular physical activity is essential for improving cardiovascular fitness. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that both moderate and high-intensity exercise improved cardiovascular fitness, but high-intensity exercise produced greater improvements.[6]
Assessing cardiovascular fitness
Cardiovascular fitness can be assessed through various methods, including maximal oxygen uptake (
References
- ^ Frank Moran. "Glossary of Fitness and Health Terms". Frank Moran. Archived from the original on December 7, 2010. Retrieved December 28, 2010.
- ^ Pate, Russell; Oria, Maria; Pillsbury, Laura; Youth, Committee on Fitness Measures and Health Outcomes in; Board, Food and Nutrition; Medicine, Institute of (2012-12-10), "Health-Related Fitness Measures for Youth: Cardiorespiratory Endurance", Fitness Measures and Health Outcomes in Youth, National Academies Press (US), retrieved 2023-07-28
- PMID 15674903.
- PMID 19454641.
- ^ TAYLOR, RYAN (2021-01-25). "30 Minute Cardio Workout at Home - No Equipment Required". AQF Sports Official Blog. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
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