So, if you are still reading, you are probably interested in exactly what does cardiovascular fitness mean. Cardiovascular fitness has to do with the efficiency at which your heart, lungs, and blood vessels carry and utilize oxygen within the blood. When these organs efficiently deliver oxygen to the muscles, prolonged physical activity can take place. In addition to improving the endurance of your fitness capabilities, cardiovascular fitness can improve your heart and lung functions even when you are at rest.

Cardiovascular health has many positive effects on your overall health. When discussing what does cardiovascular fitness mean, you would be remiss to neglect talking about these benefits. Good cardiovascular health has been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease total cholesterol, decrease resting heart rate, decrease in body fat, decrease in stress, and increase heart function. Have you ever got winded walking up a flight of stairs? Cardiovascular fitness can help that!

Once you learn what does cardiovascular fitness mean you are probably interested in how you can improve your cardiovascular health. The answer is: through cardiovascular exercise! Exercise that gets your heart rate up for an extended period will increase your heart and lung health. You will improve the body’s ability to utilize oxygen and overtime you will be able to do more and more.

Things like running, aerobics, kickboxing, and circuit training can all be good cardio workouts. If it leaves you winded, it is likely working your heart and lungs. One way to measure a cardio workouts effectiveness or level of intensity is through your heart rate. Stop midway through your workout and take your pulse. Your heart rate can be a good indication of how intense the workout is and how fit you are getting. As you improve your cardiovascular health, it will take a more intense workout to get your heart rate up.

A great way to measure and monitor your cardio health is with a heart rate monitor. By understanding what does cardiovascular fitness mean you can be on your way to improving your overall health.