The human heart has been described as the centre of cardiovascular system, which engages human daily functions that bring the body to life. Being physically fit by having a healthy heart is crucial to good health. Hence, the need to engage in some form of cardiovascular exercises to make the heart work better. Cardio exercises include running, walking, skipping, swimming, and stair climbing. Cardiovascular exercises or workouts according to Verywellfit, are designed to balance human frequency, intensity and duration for maximum effectiveness and safety. There is the need to include a warm-up period before one enters the target intensity period of workout, and returns to a cool-down period required before the end of workout.

Verywellfit further states that the objective of endurance training, also known as cardiovascular or aerobic exercise, is to develop the energy production systems to meet the demands of activity for as long as they are required. The human body, according to experts, converts food to fuel via different energy pathways, which means the body can convert nutrients to energy with the presence of oxygen (aerobic metabolism) or without oxygen (anaerobic metabolism). While the aerobic metabolism provides most of the energy needed for long-duration, less intense exercise and requires plenty of oxygen, anaerobic metabolism supplies energy for short, high-intensity bursts of activity lasting several minutes. It is, therefore, important to note that cardiovascular exercises such as skipping, running or jogging also help to improve one’s ability to sustain physical activity for longer periods of time with little or no stress. The inclusion of higher intensity aerobic or cardio activities into the weight loss plan would go a long way in helping to burn more calories.

Furthermore, medicine.net states that cardiovascular exercises help to stimulate the heart and breathing rate to increase in such a way that it can be sustained for the exercise session. This requires the pumping of oxygenated blood by the heart to deliver oxygen to working muscles. Regular cardio exercises can help lose weight, get better sleep and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Diet.mayoclinic.org highlights the following as some of the benefits of cardio exercises:

-Aid in maintaining of healthy body composition.

-Strengthen the heart and muscle.

-Burn calories.

-Control of appetite.

-Boost the mood through the release of endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals released by the brain.

-Help to sleep better at night.

-Reduce arthritis pain and stiffness through joint movement.

-Help to prevent or manage high blood pressure, heart diseases and diabetes.