The Benefits Of Aerobic Exercise

Are you considering beginning an aerobic exercise program? Are you currently involved in a regular cardio routine? If you answered yes, you'll want to know about the benefits of aerobic exercise.

• Burns calories. The main purpose of aerobic exercises is, for many, to burn calories. In order to reduce body fat and lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in (a calorie deficit). Performing aerobic exercises on a regular basis will help you burn as many calories as possible, tipping the scales in your favor.
• Improves heart function. The heart is a muscle, and when you exercise, it will learn to work more efficiently. The heart is responsible for pumping the blood to your muscles. The more demand you put on your muscles, the more blood they need. A strong and efficient heart will ensure your muscles receive that blood without being overworked.
• Lowers your resting heart rate. Since your heart can be conditioned to pump more blood with each beat, it won't have to work as hard to sustain you, even at rest. The average adult has a resting heart rate of about 70-80 beats per minute, while elite athletes, such as Lance Armstrong, reportedly have resting heart rates in the 30's. That's one strong heart. We only get one heart, so let's make sure to take good care of it.
• Improves lung function. The lungs deliver oxygen to the body, and they can be conditioned to operate more efficiently too. All physical activities require oxygen, and the more strenuous those activities are the more oxygen is required. Strong lungs will deliver higher volumes of precious oxygen.
• Increases blood vessel capacity. The blood vessels are the transportation system of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. They carry the supplies necessary for muscles to function. They also transport waste products away from the muscles. A well-developed system of blood vessels is much more efficient at these important tasks.
• Serves as warm up and cool down. Aerobic exercises can and should be utilized as a means to prepare the body for physical activity and to return the body to a resting state. Five to ten minutes of light cardio before and after your workout program should do the trick.
• Improves immune system function. Those who participate in cardiovascular programs are less susceptible to illness. Nobody likes to be sick.
• Increases work, recreational and sports performance. With a well-conditioned cardiovascular system, all activities become less strenuous and more enjoyable, making this one of the greatest benefits of physical exercise.
• Promotes a sense of well-being. The release of endorphins during aerobic exercise can be felt for hours afterward.

There are many benefits of aerobic exercise, including living a longer more productive life.