The Benefits of Cardiovascular Training

​Looking for motivation? Check out the facts on cardiovascular training and get moving!

CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING DEFINED:
The American College of Sports Medicine defines cardiovascular exercise as "Any exercise that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature."

AEROBIC ACTIVITY GUIDELINES
The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate- to vigorous- intensity aerobic physical activity, in bouts of 10 minutes or more.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AEROBIC TRAINING AND CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING?Cardiovascular training can be defined as aerobic or anaerobic, depending on the intensity. Highly intense activities in short bursts requires our anaerobic energy system, while long lasting low intense activity requires our aerobic system. Both systems are important to us in our daily lives.

HOW DOES CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING BENEFIT ME?
Some of the benefits that cardiovascular training has on our body include:
- Strengthening of the heart
- Increased small arteries that circulate blood
- Stimulates growth of mitochondria in your muscles (energy producing component of a cell)
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
- Reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Weight loss

CARDIOVASCULAR TRAINING AND THE BRAIN
National bestseller 'SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and The Brain' explains how aerobic exercise physically remodels our brain for peak performance. The author, psychiatrist John J. Ratey presents the transformative effects of exercise on the brain. Some of the research he presents shows positive relationships between cardiovascular exercise and the following topics:
- Improved academics
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Enhanced mood
- Greater ability to cope with attention deficit disorders (ADD or ADHD)
- Addiction and self control
- Hormonal changes
- Aging

Check out the video below to see John J. Ratey's talk at TEDx Manhattan Beach