From jogging on a treadmill at the gym to climbing a home elliptical machine, cardiovascular exercise helps people achieve their fitness goals and maintain healthier lives. Also called aerobic exercise, these activities get the heart pumping faster as large muscles in the legs, hips, and arms execute repetitive motions. This response has the following benefits.

Why Add More Cardio to Your Workout?

1. Increase Oxygen Intake

Heart rate accelerates when you run on the treadmill, go for a brisk walk, do laps in a swimming pool, and perform other cardiovascular exercises. You breathe faster, which helps the body take in more oxygen. Red blood vessels dilate to absorb the oxygen and deliver it to vital organs and muscles. This decreases the risk of developing heart disease and helps you recover faster after exercise.

2. Elevate Mood

In one study, the cardiorespiratory fitness levels of more than 1 million participants were examined. Those with low fitness levels were at a 75% higher risk of developing depression compared to the 23% risk of people with moderate cardio fitness routines. That’s because jogging on a treadmill, hiking outside, and doing other cardio exercises helps release endorphins. The chemical prompts a positive mood response to help you feel less stressed.

3. Manage Weight

Incorporating cardio into your daily routine can prevent obesity problems. According to one study, making more cardio exercise your only significant lifestyle change can have a positive impact on your waistline. Participants who performed cardiovascular exercise to burn 400 to 600 calories five times a week for 10 months lost 4.3% to 5.7% of their starting weight. The weight gain of the control group was 0.5%.

For high-quality treadmills, exercise bikes, and additional home and commercial gym equipment, contact Exercise & Leisure Equipment in Cincinnati, OH. Their sales representatives will help you find suitable equipment for your space. With over 40 years of combined experience, the factory-trained and certified technicians will ensure your investments are assembled correctly and provide part replacement and additional upkeep as needed. Learn more about their services online, and call (513) 531-7777 to ask inventory questions. Get gym design advice on Facebook.