Cardiorespiratory fitness

Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to the ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to skeletal muscles during sustained physical activity. Regular exercise makes these systems more efficient by enlarging the heart muscle, enabling more blood to be pumped with each stroke, and increasing the number of small arteries in trained skeletal muscles, which supply more blood to working muscles. Exercise improves the respiratory system by increasing the amount of oxygen that is inhaled and distributed to body tissue.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is also sometimes referred to as Aerobic fitness.

There are many benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness. It can reduce the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other diseases. Cardiorespiratory fitness helps improve lung and heart condition, and increases feelings of wellbeing.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week for 20–60 minutes per session, at an intensity that maintains the heart rate between 65-90% of the maximum heart rate.

See also

• Aerobic conditioning
• Central governor
• Outdoor gym
• Physical fitness
• VO₂ max

References

• Rebeka J. Donatello. Health, The Basics. 6th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, Inc. 2005
• Pollock, M.L., & Gaesser, G.A. (1998). Acsm position stand: the recommended quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and flexibility in healthy adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 30(6), Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/1998/06000/ACSM_Position_Stand__The__Recommended_Quantity_and.32.aspx

External links

• Cardiorespiratory Fitness
• ACSM Fitness Guidelines