What You Need to Know About Cardiorespiratory Fitness | Photo credit: iStock Images
Key highlights
- Cardiovascular fitness refers to the fitness of the heart, also known as the cardiovascular system
- Respiratory fitness refers to the fitness of the lungs, also known as the respiratory system
- Read on to learn more about cardiorespiratory fitness
New Delhi: The human body needs a certain amount of energy for any physical activity. From chewing to running, the energy requirement changes depending on the intensity of the activity. Have you ever wondered why you can’t walk several flights of stairs without stopping, or why you feel the need to take a break after long doodles to give your hands a break? This is where cardiorespiratory fitness comes into play. As described in a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, “Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) refers to the ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to oxygenate the mitochondria of the skeletal muscles for energy production needed during physical activity.” . ”Read on to learn more about the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness.
Importance of cardiorespiratory fitness
Cardiorespiratory fitness has been linked to the regulation of general health. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows the association of poor cardiorespiratory fitness with an increased risk of stroke and ischemic stroke. In order to be able to carry out any activity, all organs of the human body work in concert and a high CRF is important for optimal performance and efficiency. Studies have shown that high cardiorespiratory fitness is crucial for the effective functioning of the cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory, mental and musculoskeletal systems.
Tips for increasing cardiorespiratory fitness
Here are a few ways you can improve cardiorespiratory fitness:
- Start with an exercise routine that you can keep up with. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but it does need to be consistent.
- Opt for exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, side hops, etc.
- You can also opt for activities like running, swimming, hiking, climbing stairs, etc.
- Avoid overexerting your body as this can decrease performance and increase the risk of injury. Try to improve your routine by gradually increasing the level of difficulty.
- Don’t forget to feed your body with a balanced diet and keep it hydrated for optimal performance.
Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in this article are for general information only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting any fitness program or changing your diet.
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