Stamina -- along with strength, balance and flexibility -- is a cornerstone of physical fitness. Sometimes referred to as aerobic capacity, stamina is the ability to exert energy for prolonged periods of time without becoming fatigued, according to the book "The World of Sport Examined," and results from endurance activities such as running or bicycling. Whether or not you're an athlete, stamina offers a number of benefits for your health and well being.
Sports Performance
Stamina can boost your performance in endurance sports such as running, swimming, cross-country skiing, rowing, dancing and rollerblading. As Harvard Health Publications explains, stamina goes hand-in-hand with an improved ability to circulate and utilize oxygen. More efficient use of oxygen benefits your athletic feats by letting you exercise for sustained periods without feeling winded or tired, thereby resulting in better performance on the track, in the water, or anywhere else you exercise.
Daily Life
Even if athletics aren't a main focus of your life, stamina offers benefits for other daily activities. When your body is able to maintain an elevated heart rate without quickly tiring, you can more easily partake in tasks such as cleaning, raking, climbing stairs, carrying heavy grocery bags, running to catch a bus, walking through large malls or commuting via bicycle. Harvard Health Publications notes that having stamina in these instances ensures you'll have enough energy to accomplish your daily activities.
Health
The physical activities required to build stamina have a number of health perks. According to MayoClinic.com, exercises that boost stamina also activate your immune system, raise your HDL or "good" cholesterol, keep your arteries clear, and reduce your risk of obesity, hypertension, certain cancers and stroke. By building and maintaining your stamina through exercise, you can also improve your body's blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes.
Mood and Confidence
The benefits of stamina aren't just physical: Stamina can also have favorable effects on your mind and mood. Feeling equipped to handle exertion and accomplish physically demanding tasks can improve your confidence, leading you to have a healthier perception of yourself. In addition, stamina-building exercises can alleviate depression, promote relaxation and quell tension and anxiety.
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