Buy "The Now What? eBooks" Here! Or go to Smashwords for misc. formats.

The Now What Fitness Series lays out the foundation of fitness in a concise and simplified manner, making for a collection of books that help the reader truly comprehend how to improve one's health and well-being from A to Z. I've broken fitness down into comprehensive concepts, giving anybody who truly wants to change their health and their lives in profound ways, the step-by-step tools and knowledge to do so. 

BENEFITS OF CARDIO

The health benefits of cardio training are monumental. To name a few:

  • Reduction in blood pressure
  • Increased HDL cholesterol (That’s the good kind, by the way.)
  • Decreased total cholesterol
  • Decreased body fat stores
  • Increased aerobic work capacity
  • Decreased clinical symptoms of anxiety, tension, and depression
  • Reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion
  • Increased heart function
  • Reduction in mortality in postmyocardial infarction patients (Or less deaths in patients after a heart attack.)
  • Prevention of type 2 diabetes


EVEN MORE BENEFITS OF CARDIO

Now that’s just talking about actual basic health benefits of cardio. Let’s talk about adaptive physiologic responses, or in plain English, improvements in your actual bodily processes. This is unbelievable. Are you ready? Here goes:

  • Increased lactate threshold (the exercise intensity at which lactic acid starts to accumulate in the blood stream)
  • Decreased resting heart rate (heart doesn't have to work as hard at rest)
  • Increased heart volume
  • Increased resting and maximum stroke volume
  • Increased maximum cardiac output (heart works better)
  • Increased maximum oxygen consumption
  • Increased capillary density and blood flow to active muscles
  • Increased total blood volume
  • Increased maximal ventilation
  • Increased lung diffusion capacity
  • Increased mobilization and utilization of fat
  • Reduced all-cause mortality (less likely to die)
  • Decreased anxiety and depression
  • Decreased incidence of some cancers
  • Improved arterial endothelial (cells that line the inside of your blood vessels) function (Greek for better blood flow)
  • Increased insulin sensitivity

IN PLAIN ENGLISH

In other words, all of the above just means your heart, lungs, general health and well-being will improve exponentially! I like the way bodybuilding.com simplifies some benefits of cardio in this short but sweet article. Check it out here!

Whew! I told you!! Are you raring to go yet?

That's what I'm talkin' about!


Of course, there are certain RISK FACTORS that one should consider before beginning a cardiovascular exercise program. 

You should see a doctor first if you:

  • Are a man over 45 or a woman over 55
  • Smoke
  • Are diabetic
  • Are very overweight
  • Have a family history of coronary artery disease
  • Have high blood pressure and do not take medicine for it
  • Have chest pain or heart palpitations

So, please do yourself and your loved ones a favor, and get started on a structured cardiovascular exercise routine today!

And don't forget that cardiovascular fitness is just one of several components of fitness. If you are new to exercise, walking or swimming is a great way to start. 

Cardiovascular exercise along with a strength training program and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will add years and quality to your life beyond your imagination. Go on! Try it, I dare you!!



Return from Cardio Benefits and Risks to Cardiovascular Fitness

Return from Cardio Benefits and Risks to Straightforward Home