Cardio-respiratory exercise, also known as aerobic or cardiovascular exercise, is recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle. This type of exercise works large muscle groups in your body and increases your heart and respiratory rates. Mayo Clinic.com suggests 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. You may need to build up to reach these goals, but once you increase your endurance, you can reap the benefits.
Weight Management
One of the most appealing reasons to start an aerobic activity is to manage your weight. In order to lose one pound of weight, you need to cut out or burn 3500 calories. Exercising helps your body burn calories, which, when combined with a calorie-conscious diet, can help you safely lose weight. Activities such as walking, hiking, gardening, dancing, jogging, biking and swimming are considered aerobic exercise, and will all contribute to weight loss. For instance, if you weigh 160 pounds, you can burn 584 calories during one hour of jogging at 5 mph. Talk to your doctor about cardiovascular exercise and weight loss to determine how much and what types are right for you.
Chronic Disease Management
Regular aerobic exercise can help you combat chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as prevent them from occurring. Improving cardio-respiratory endurance can help lower your cholesterol and strengthen your heart, which will improve your overall health and reduce your risk for heart-related illnesses and strokes. If you already have a chronic disease, exercise benefits can be life-changing, potentially reducing your symptoms and increasing your quality of life.
Mood Enhancement
Regular participation in cardiovascular exercise can improve your mood. Exercise can help you relax, as well as potentially alleviate symptoms of depression. A September 2010 study in the "Journal of Family Practice" found that regular exercise improves symptoms of depression just as effectively as cognitive behavioral therapy. However, mixing weight-bearing exercise with aerobic exercise worked better than just aerobic exercise alone. Also, the study found that high-frequency exercise was more effective than low-frequency activity.
Longevity
Cardiovascular health is important in quality and length of life. By participating in regular aerobic exercise, you increase your chances of living a longer and healthier life. Warding off chronic illness, losing weight, increasing your strength and boosting your mood will all contribute to your longevity and quality of life.
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