Aerobic Health Part 2

                                                           

            Last blog, I talked about the main reasons for people’s neglect of aerobic activity. Just as there are people who refuse to participate in aerobic activities, there are people that are eager to participate in such activities are aware of the benefits of aerobic activities. Why would someone want to run on a treadmill? Isn’t running long distance for people who want to lose weight? These are questions, I myself have been asked by people I’ve conversed with in the Tarleton State Recreation Center.

          There are multiple reasons why I do aerobic activities, besides losing weight to maintain a healthy physique. Aerobic exercise increases cardiovascular efficiency, which in turn improves one's VO2 max. Aerobic activities improve respiration efficiency. Aerobic activity increases stroke volume which is the amount of blood pumped from the ventricle each time the heart contracts. Aerobic activity even improves blood distribution, blood volume, and delivery to the muscles. These benefits may appeal to some, but not everyone. Some people would like to know how aerobic activities would help with everyday life, or sport specific activities.

    Why is it that some people have a hard time walking up the stairs without losing their breath? Why is it that some people can’t walk a couple blocks without experiencing extreme fatigue? And why is it that some people have a problem digesting their food properly? Nine times out of ten, those people have a high resting heart rate, high blood pressure, and/or poor body composition. Aerobic activity can improve body composition, so that you’re not weighed down by extra fat which does absolutely nothing for efficient movement. Aerobic activity also lowers your resting heart rate, thus lowering your blood pressure and allowing you to do more physical activity without becoming short of breath or fatigued. This is not where the benefits of aerobic activity end.

    Not only does aerobic activity improve overall health inside and out, but it also helps a little with mental and emotional aspects of health. Most people with full-time jobs experience a certain level of emotional or mental stress which leads to physical stress. Aerobic activity is an outlet that is proven to lower stress levels physically, emotionally and mentally.

                                                                 References

1 The 20 benefits of aerobic exercise. (2012). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://www.manageyourlifenow.com/The-20-benefits-of-aerobic-exercise/

2 Build Self Confidence | Fun Physical & Occupational Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2016, from http://fitnessforhealth.org/