Sarah M's List: Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

• Regular exercise and physical activity are extremely important and beneficial for long-term health and well-being

• Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:

    
   
  •  Increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max)
    
  •  Improvement in cardivascular/cardiorespiratory function (heart and lungs)
    
   
  •  Increased maximal cardiac output (amount of blood pumped every minute)
    
  •  Increased maximal stroke volume (amount of blood pumped with each beat)
    
  •  Increased blood volume and ability to carry oxygen
    
  •  Reduced workload on the heart (myocardial oxygen consumption) for any given submaximal exercise intensity
   
    
  •  Increased blood supply to muscles and ability to use oxygen
    
  •  Lower heart rate and blood pressure at any level of submaximal exercise
    
  •  Increased threshold for lactic acid accumulation
    
  •  Lower resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure
    
  •  Increased HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
    
  •  Decreased blood triglycerides
    
  •  Reduced body fat and improved weight control
    
  •  Improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance

• Benefits of Strength Training:

    
   
  •  Increased muscular strength
    
  •  Increased strength of tendons and ligaments
    
  •  Potentially improves flexibility (range of motion of joints)
    
  •  Reduced body fat and increased lean body mass (muscle mass)
    
  •  Potentially decreases resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure
    
  •  Positive changes in blood cholesterol
    
  •  Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity
    
  •  Improved strength, balance, and functional ability in older adults

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