Cardiovascular (Aerobic) fitness is one of the most important components of physical fitness. It refers to how well your body can perform rhythmic, dynamic activity at a moderate to high intensity for extended periods of time.  Cardiovascular fitness is measured as the amount of oxygen transported in the blood and pumped by the heart to the working muscles and, as the efficiency of the muscles to use that oxygen.

Increasing cardiovascular fitness means increasing the capability of the heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system in supplying, consuming and transporting oxygen and energy throughout your body.

​

Having good cardiovascular fitness has many health benefits such as, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes as well as lowering your resting heart rate, lowering fat mass, increasing bone mass (for weight bearing body parts - usually the legs in cardio exercise), improving energy levels and greater resistance to illness and fatigue.

​

We improve our cardio endurance by performing cardio or aerobic exercise, which may be defined as any activity that utilizes your large muscle groups dynamically while getting your heart rate up into your target heart rate zone. Such activities include walking, jogging, running, swimming, skating, cycling, stair climbing and cross-country skiing.

 

The heart is like any other muscle - it becomes stronger and more efficient after practice.

Heart rate is a quantitative measure of heart's work. At rest a healthy heart of an average individual beats approximately 70 beats per minute. A conditioned heart beats much less at rest, only 40 to 50 beats per minute or even less. Heart rate variability is a quality measure of heart's work. The lower the resting heart rate the higher the heart rate variability, and thus the better the quality of heart's functions.

​