Get Your Cardio – There Are More Benefits Than You Think!

I am sure we are all pretty much aware of the benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise. It is well documented that it is an essential part of overall health and wellbeing no matter what your age.

But did you know, besides the benefits to the heart and lungs, how regular cardio exercise can impact many other areas of the body?

Brain 

• Increases blood flow and reduces the chance of suffering a stroke
• Improves your memory and overall thinking ability
• Combats the decline in brain function as you age
• Helps protect against the development of Alzheimer’s disease

Skin

• The increase in circulation improves skin tone making it clearer and appear healthier

Blood

• Helps control blood sugar levels
• Improves “good” cholesterol levels in the body and lowers blood fats 

Muscles

• Increases the oxygen supply to the muscles which in turn allows them to work harder over a longer period of time
• Allows muscles to adapt to an increased workload which ultimately makes daily tasks seem easier

Pancreas

• Improves blood sugar controls
• Reduces stress placed on the pancreas
• Reduces the chances of developing type 2 diabetes

Lungs

• Lungs become more efficient therefore exercise output increases
• Helps reduce fatigue and shortness of breath for anyone suffering with chronic lung problems
• Recovery rate from a burst of energy, such as running to catch bus, is significantly improved therefore placing less stress on the heart

Weight

• Easier to maintain a healthier weight due to the calories burnt
• Reduction in fat due to the fat burning process

Sexual Function

• Decreases the chances of erectile dysfunction in men
• Leads to enhanced arousal for women

Bones & Joints

• Helps in the fight against osteoarthritis and reduces the risk of fractures
• Assists in the reduction of the pain associated with arthritis and increases range of movement at the joints therefore improving overall functionality

Mood

• Boosts your overall mood
• Improves self-esteem
• Helps combat depression

Anxiety and Stress

• Releases tension-fighting hormones such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine 

Sleep

• Helps you fall asleep faster
• Promotes REM sleep

Energy

• Releases endorphins which promotes sustained energy throughout the day

So there you have it, there’s more to cardiovascular exercise than first meet the eye.  Remember regular cardiovascular exercise is defined as thirty minutes or three, ten minute workouts, five times a week.

Cheryl Alker

Cheryl Alker is the founder of 24Seven Wellness & Living and has over 35 years of expertise in the health and wellbeing industry. She has worked in corporate health, has lectured throughout Europe and the USA, is a health and fitness writer for many publications and has written training programs for the health and fitness industry that have been granted Continuing Education Credits with The Florida Board of Physical Therapy, the National Association of Sports Medicine, The American Council of Exercise and The National Association of Strength Training to name but a few. Cheryl is also the founder of Secret Back Pain Cure. Receiving “Amazon’s Choice” for best back pain DVD this natural at home program, that is delivered in the form of educational DVD’s and Ebooks, has helped literally thousands of former back pain sufferers worldwide.