While you’re at it, try to do some cardio or aerobic exercise. This will help strengthen the heart muscle, which makes it more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. In addition, aerobic exercise improves mood and increases stamina. It will also help clear the arteries and increase HDL, or “good” cholesterol, in the body. Aerobic exercise will also stimulate the immune system, making it easier to fight off illnesses and disease.
Regular aerobic and cardiovascular exercise helps the brain. Regular exercise will improve brain function and memory, and challenge the heart. This will prevent the onset of cognitive decline, which starts around age 45. Aerobic exercise helps boost chemicals in the brain that support the hippocampus, the center of memory and learning. Even hard-core cardio exercises improve BNDF levels, a protein that may improve cognitive function and memory.
When it comes to burning fat, aerobic exercise helps the body use oxygen more efficiently. Muscles can burn up to twice as many calories with every workout session than muscles that don’t. Exercise also increases the size of the mitochondria, which convert oxygen into energy. The increased mitochondria means improved heart health. While aerobic exercise helps you lose weight faster, consult with your doctor before beginning any type of physical activity.
While it may seem intimidating, aerobic exercise has numerous benefits. Even short, ten-minute sessions of moderate aerobic activity every day can benefit your heart. When done regularly, it strengthens the heart and helps it pump blood more efficiently throughout the body. Those who do cardio regularly feel better and have more energy to do daily activities. They also get to enjoy the benefits of cardio workouts. If you are in a tight time frame, break up your workout into smaller 10-minute sessions.
