Cardiorespiratory fitness is the ability to perform dynamic,
moderate-to-high intensity exercise for prolonged periods. Performance
of such exercises depends on the functional state of the respiratory,
cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle systems. ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Eighth Edition.
So
cardiorespiratory fitness includes three body systems, the respiratory
system, the cardiovascular systems, which makes up your heart, systemic
and pulmonary circulation systems, and the muscles that power the
activity of choice. Some of the major activities associated with
cardiorespiratory fitness are also involved in muscular endurance
activities: running, walking, swimming, dancing, biking, etc.
Low
levels of cardiorespiratory fitness has been linked to an severely
increased risk of death by cardiovascular disease. According to the
American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease claimed 831,272 lives
in 2006, more than deaths caused by cancer, accidents, and HIV (AIDS)
combined. Cardiovascular Disease comes in many forms: stroke, high
blood pressure, heart failure, and coronary heart disease, which
encompasses heart attacks and angina pectoris (chest pain from the lack
of blood in the heart tissue).
How can you improve your
cardiorespiratory fitness? For the fitness enthusiasts, go for a
challenging run, bike, walk or swim. Push your pace or your distance.
For the non fitness enthusiasts, I am determined to change your outlook,
but for now here are some tips. Take the stairs over the elevator. Try
to park your vehicle in the furthest spot away in the parking lot of
your grocery store. Sign up for a dance class or a group fitness
activity such as zumba, spinning class, or aerobics classes. Even the
smallest steps can improve your cardiorespiratory fitness. Reflect on
ways you can make the first step.
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