Benefits of Cardio Exercise

If you are like me, “cardio exercise” evokes images of sweat rings, difficulty breathing and a feeling of exhaustion. That’s probably why I avoid it like the plauge; unless, of course, I need to lose a few pounds. If I’m in a decent weight range, then I don’t need it, right? I’m about to ruin the excuses for both of us.

Cardio exercise is beneficial- no, necessary- for everyone, regardless of the size jeans you wear at the moment.

There, I’ve said it. We can no longer claim innocence. You still aren’t convinced, are you? Neither am I. Let’s dig a little deeper and find the key things that aerobics accomplish for us.

The first thing you’ll notice when you begin a cardio workout is your breathing pattern. Aerobics work your body in such a way that your breathing becomes deeper and intensifies as you continue. If you keep yourself from going too far and beginning to “pant,” those full breaths can feel quite exhilerating. That’s because deep breathing maximizes the amount of oxygen that is in your blood stream, thus making each part of your body feel refreshed and begin to generally work better. When you are working your body and heating upyour muscles, your body will push the heat out in your breath and help prevent overheating.

The obvious benefit of cardio evercise is the development of your cardiovascular system, cardio referring to your heart and vascular to your veins. As you need more energy and oxygen in each part of your body, your heart begins to pump harder and faster to accommodate the appropriate bloodflow. Like all of your muscles, the heart can become weak without regular exercise. It is important to increase your heartrate and maintain the higher level for at least thirty minutes three times per week. The smallest blood vessels, capillaries, even benefit from regular exercise. As you increase your amount of exercise, more capillaries will develop to ensure all the waste (carbon dioxide, etc.) is eliminated from your muscles.

Finally, aerobic exercise just makes you feel good! Okay, maybe not at first, but your memory might be a little skewed. I know mine is. If I remember correctly, after the huffing and puffing subsided, I usually feel incredinly refreshed and relaxed after a good workout. That’s because aerobic exercise, especially a low-impact style such as an elliptical trainer- releases feel-good hormones called endorphins.

Our bodies were made to be active. If we indulge them in that, we will find they return the favor by becoming healthy and lasting longer.