The human body is a complex system that is made up of organs, limbs, muscles, blood, hormones, and nails, among others. For the body to function, it needs to eat and breathe. Oxygen helps oxygenate the blood, while food nourishes the body’s muscles and cells, allowing the body to grow and develop.
The heart and lungs are vital organs, as they are at the center of the above activities which are the pumping of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to and from the body, as well as the inhalation and exhalation of clean and used air.
Today, thanks to smart devices like smartphones, laptops and tablets, people spend too much time with them. It is not a surprise to find people sleeping with these devices by their side so that they do not miss that publication, tweet or WhatsApp message from a friend or loved one.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle has a negative impact on the body. To improve cardiovascular health, you need to perform cardiovascular exercises.
Swimming
For many people, a pool is just a place where you can throw a party and invite some friends. For others, it is a place to sleep on the lounger and let the skin soak up the sun’s rays while drinking their favorite beverage.
Swimming is a great exercise as it engages different limbs and muscles when moving through the water. For example, when stroking the chest, you need to do movements with your arms, neck, and legs. This exercise helps the heart pump blood faster while the lungs take in clean air and expel used air.
The next time you have the opportunity to stand by a pool; don’t look at it as a huge pond, but as a gateway to better health.
Walking
The best thing about walking is that you can make it a fun activity. You don’t have to walk in the park or around the neighborhood when you need to exercise. The hills and forests of the countryside are perfect places to hike. When walking, different joints like the knees, elbows and shoulders move, which improves lubrication.
For the muscles around the legs, thighs, arms and back, they will not only receive nourishment from the oxygenated blood, but they will also receive much-needed exercise. You can exercise your legs and your whole body, as well as experience nature at its best.
In a hurry
When you run, you engage your heart and lungs like swimming and cycling do. The lungs will absorb oxygen and dissipate used air quickly. This is done to supply oxygenated blood to the heart, as the body’s cells are burning energy at a high rate. Running is a cardiovascular exercise for the outdoors and the best part is that you can push your body to the highest limits. For example, you can start jogging a mile in one day and in no time; you will have the possibility to participate in a marathon.
Cycling
When you ride a bike, you help jump-start your metabolism, allowing your body to burn calories, which in turn fuels your muscle cells. Cycling allows you to engage your legs, your back, your elbows, your arms, and your wrists. Your heart and lungs will benefit from oxygen, as well as the energy produced that helps fuel your organs.
Final thoughts
The thing to remember is that while cardiovascular exercises help improve your heart and lungs, you must rest. You can exercise Monday through Friday, but set Saturday and Sunday to rest.
