Why Is Cardiovascular Fitness Important?

Why Is Cardiovascular Fitness Important?

Commonly, people with a high level of cardiovascular fitness have lower blood pressure, low levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and high levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol. They have more energy and stamina, and the endorphins, which are created during aerobic exercise increment their mood.

There are two factors that distinguish cardiovascular fitness from other types of exercise.

• Cardiovascular fitness enhances the ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen-rich blood to the working muscles.
• Cardiovascular fitness enhances the muscle’s ability to use this oxygen to supply adequate energy for movement.

Cardiovascular fitness and immunity

Studies performed at the Center for the Biopsychosocial Studies of AIDS at the University of Miami found that aerobic exercise had a “profound impact” on managing the symptoms of AIDS in some people. Another study, which was performed at the Physical Fitness Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois found that aerobic exercise had a positive effect on the immune function of the elderly.

The primary importance of cardiovascular fitness becomes evident when you look at its definition. Any type of activity that will supply oxygen to the muscles will increase energy levels as well as make your body more functional and efficient. This is just one of the many benefits of cardiovascular fitness.

Strengthen your immune system

Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:

• Get adequate sleep.
• Exercise regularly.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Don’t smoke.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

Increase immunity

Attempting to boost the cells of your immune system is especially complicated because there are so many different kinds of cells in the immune system that respond to so many different microbes in so many ways. Which cells should you boost, and to what number? So far, scientists do not know the answer.

What is known is that the body is continually generating immune cells. Certainly, it produces many more lymphocytes than it can possibly use. The extra cells remove themselves through a natural process of cell death called apoptosis.

Many products on store shelves claim to boost or support immunity. But the concept of boosting immunity actually makes little sense scientifically. In fact, boosting the number of cells in your body — immune cells or others — is not necessarily a good thing.

Exercise

If you exercise regularly, that is one of the pillars of healthy living. It improves cardiovascular health, protects against a variety of diseases, lowers blood pressure, and helps control body weight. But does it help to boost your immune system naturally and keep it healthy? Just like a healthy diet, exercise can promote general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system.