The Benefits of Exercise
Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:
* Increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
* Improvement in cardivascular/cardiorespiratory function (heart and lungs)
o Increased maximal cardiac output (amount of blood pumped every minute)
o Increased maximal stroke volume (amount of blood pumped with each beat)
o Increased blood volume and ability to carry oxygen
o Reduced workload on the heart (myocardial oxygen consumption) for any given submaximal exercise intensity
* Increased blood supply to muscles and ability to use oxygen
* Lower heart rate and blood pressure at any level of submaximal exercise
* Increased threshold for lactic acid accumulation
* Lower resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure
* Increased HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
* Decreased blood triglycerides
* Reduced body fat and improved weight control
* Improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance
Benefits of Strength Training:
* Increased muscular strength
* Increased strength of tendons and ligaments
* Potentially improves flexibility (range of motion of joints)
* Reduced body fat and increased lean body mass (muscle mass)
* Potentially decreases resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure
* Positive changes in blood cholesterol
* Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity
* Improved strength, balance, and functional ability in older adults
Tags: CV, Exercise, fitness, health, strenght training, strength training, weights
