What is cardiovascular endurance?

The question "what is cardiovascular endurance?" comes up when listing the benefits to exercise. What is it? Why would anyone want cardiovascular endurance?

Let's quickly define the individual terms:

"Endurance" is a form of the word "to endure" - which means in this context, "to last or continue."

"Cardiovascular" refers to the system of the heart (cardio-) and the blood vessels in the body (-vascular).

One function of the cardiovascular system is to transport nutrients and oxygen, by the heart pumping blood throughout the body to the cells, where metabolism occurs and energy is created.

Cardiovascular endurance refers to the ability of the heart, blood vessels, blood and respiratory system to supply oxygen and fuel to the muscles at a steady rate for a considerable length of time.

For example, someone who walks a short distance and becomes very tired and out of breath has low cardiovascular endurance. His heart and lungs and blood circulation are "out of shape."

On the other hand, someone who runs a 10K marathon successfully has great cardiovascular endurance. His heart and and lungs and blood circulation are healthy and functioning well!

Cardiovascular fitness training

After answering the question, "what is cardiovascular endurance?" the next question is "Can it be improved?" Most definitely! Cardiovascular activities all improve the function of the heart and blood vessels to do their job, and any cardiovascular fitness training that is done will contribute to improved health.

Although cardiovascular activities like jogging, running and cycling are popular methods of cardiovascular fitness training, cardiovascular endurance is greatly improved simply by regular walking. Getting out for a brisk walk three or four times a week is both physically and mentally refreshing!

My favorite cardiovascular activity is mini-trampoline exercise. Not only is it a superb cardiovascular exercise, it incorporates the other three types of exercise; strength training, flexibility exercise and balance/coordination. For optimal health, the body needs all four different types of exercise.

So, if you are interested in improving the length of time that you have the energy to engage in physical activity of any kind, knowing the answer to the question "what is cardiovascular endurance?" will get you headed in the right direction!

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