If there’s anything that fitness buffs around the world agree on, it’s that any form of cardiovascular activity that gets the heart moving is worth doing. Most fitness experts say that a well-balanced and efficient workout routine incorporates cardiovascular-focused sessions to burn additional calories and work the circulatory system. But before you go out and introduce intense cardio movements into your regimen, why not think about the most pressing question: what are the major benefits you get from cardio?

Promotes Better Heart Health

With cardiovascular relating to the heart and blood cells, it's a given to know that performing movements that elevate your heart rate are the way to strengthen your heart.

When you’re in motion during a session, the exercise will cause your heart rate to accelerate and promote a proper blood pump. The blood pumping through your heart then distributes oxygen and nutrients to the different parts of the body. Afterward, the blood circles back into the heart to then deliver to the lungs.

The American Heart Association suggests that you aim to complete 150 minutes of moderately intense activity or 75 minutes of highly intense exercise over the course of your training week.

Promotes Increased Lung Capacity

Regardless of fitness level, many people tend to avoid cardio exercise since the constant intense movement makes it harder to breathe. Many don't remember that the heavy breathing you experience during a challenging workout session promotes lung capacity!

Cardio can improve your lung capacity as you push your abilities to the limit. That said, take precautions when pushing yourself to your fitness limits; you don't want to overexert yourself. Remember to consult a physician before starting any physical fitness activity and to stop exercising immediately if you begin to feel tightness in your chest, dizziness, or extreme shortness of breath.

It’s a Natural Energy Booster

Many people rely on coffee and energy drinks to get them through the day, while others take extensive naps as an alternative way to recharge their batteries. However, how would you feel if we were to tell you that you can achieve a natural energy boost without having to touch caffeine?

Starting your day off with a thirty-minute cardio session allows your body to release endorphins. These "feel-good" chemicals work to boost energy and keep the effect going hours after your workout ends.

Favors the Improvement of Mental Health

Since cardio promotes the body’s release of endorphins, you’re more prone to feeling good and having an elevating mood afterward. Performing cardio activity can serve as a natural combatant against mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Endorphins aren’t the only contributor to your mood; the thought of knowing that you push yourself during every workout to achieve your goals is something to be genuinely proud of. Despite the challenges, the not-so-good days, and everything in between, showing up and doing the work to accomplish your goals is the biggest takeaway from fitness.

Can Mitigate the Risk of Developing Some Diseases

Experts and physicians say that cardio exercise also helps to reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. With many people in the United States suffering from heart disease and strokes, introducing a cardio routine into your lifestyle can open the door to significant health improvements.

Regular exercise is a way to naturally mitigate the risk of heart disease and heart attacks, along with high blood pressure and cholesterol. Cardiovascular activity can also help to reduce the development of some diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Regulates Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure

A fantastic method to prevent hypertension, cardiovascular exercise can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. If you find your blood sugar skyrocketing, cardio can help you regulate your insulin levels and lower your blood sugar levels.

Even if you don't experience high blood pressure or have diabetes, it's safe to remain active to prevent the risk of developing them in the future.

Helps Your Immune System

Getting sick can throw a wrench in your plans; however, cardio exercise is one of your immune system's friends. Physical activity promotes a healthy immune system, so it can fight bacterial infections that can affect health by changing your antibodies and white blood cells.

With the change, antibodies and white blood cells can move faster and better fight off potential illnesses.

Can Benefit Weight Loss

Many people look to cardiovascular activity to get in shape since it promotes a steady calorie and fat burn while aiding in weight loss. While this can be true, it's vital to settle an argument that continues to be a topic of debate in fitness. Cardio can be beneficial in a weight loss journey but only when supplementing healthy diet practices.

That said, you’ll still want to get your workout sessions in by incorporating a 30-minute workout five or more days a week. Typical cardiovascular activities include running, swimming, cycling, or HIIT workouts.

Promotes Better Sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep can be challenging for many people, but you can achieve better sleep with the addition of cardio. Doing cardio early in your day requires energy and can contribute to you feeling tired earlier. Falling asleep at a reasonable hour can allow you to finally get those recommended eight hours of sleep.

People often ask, “What are the major health benefits you get from cardio?” The answer can change depending on who they seek advice from. But we’re here to tell you that cardiovascular activity isn’t something you want to ignore.

Cardio keeps your body in motion and can serve as a gut check that holds your fitness level accountable. As a highly versatile method of fitness activity, cardio workouts can complement a strength training program or deliver solid results on their own.

At American Home Fitness, our mission is clear: we strive to bring you high-quality workout equipment and insight information on all things fitness to help you get started on your journey. To get your hands on optimum machines, consider browsing our webpage or visiting one of our showrooms that feature exercise equipment in Toledo, OH. For any inquires or questions, don't hesitate to contact us today!