Gets your heart racing
Cardio exercise on a regular basis can help your heart health by decreasing cholesterol and lowering your risk of heart disease.
How?
Cardio exercise pushes your heart in the same way that a biceps curl tests your arm muscles.
This improves the flow of blood throughout your body and strengthens your heart.
And, given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, most people could use a bit extra cardio.
Reduces blood pressure
Exercise is essential for treating and preventing hypertension, according to a 2015 scientific review (aka high blood pressure).
Heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, heart failure, and even dementia can all be caused by hypertension.
Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, reliably lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure in those with hypertension, according to the study.
It may also act for almost 24 hours to lower systolic blood pressure.
Keep in mind that research is mostly conducted on middle-aged European males (surprise, surprise), so the findings may not apply to everyone.
Regardless, there’s no evidence that your age, gender, or ethnicity influences your blood pressure response to cardiac activity.
It boosts your immune system.
I know a lot of us hate being sick, then guess what. If you do cardio, you are in luck.
Regular exercise (such as cardio) is advantageous to the immune system, according to a 2020 assessment.
Working exercise also helps to maintain the health of your blood cells and cytokines (proteins).
Both of these elements are essential for immune system control.
Certain forms of cancer may even improve as a result of exercise, according to researchers, but the evidence is still ambiguous.
Furthermore, according to the authors of another 2020 analysis, regular exercise may even help reduce COVID-19 infections.
While it’s still unclear if becoming exercising may truly prevent cancer or COVID-19, it does appear to maintain a healthy immune system.
Helps you sleep better
It’s probably no surprise that tuckering yourself out on the treadmill before bedtime might make you extra tired.
According to several studies, even a small amount of activity can aid in catching A+ Zzz’s.
While older folks may benefit the most, study shows that with a little additional cardio, everyone will enjoy a more comfortable voyage to Dreamland.
Helps with mental health
Many people feel especially happy after working up a sweat.
Endorphins are released when you exercise (hormones that give you those happy, euphoric vibes).
Multiple scientific research has verified this beneficial impact.
Physical exercise, such as cardio, can help cure symptoms of serious depression, according to a 2019 research.
Exercise is an economical and noninvasive technique to help cure or prevent anxiety, sadness, and other mental problems, according to the authors of another study analysis from 2020.
Regular exercise lowered anxiety in adults with panic disorder, according to a small 2018 research.
Remember that getting on the treadmill isn’t the same as waving a magic wand and having your worry vanish — but research does indicate a variety of possible advantages.
Maintains blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels?
A brief trip to the gym can be all you need.
Cardio exercise helped persons with type 2 diabetes manage their insulin levels, reduce their blood sugar, and maintain a healthy weight, according to a study published in 2013.
That’s why, for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, exercise is frequently one of the first methods doctors prescribe (together with dietary adjustments).
Cardio, strength exercise, and high-intensity interval training all assist improve glucose management and keeping blood sugar levels in line, according to a 2017 analysis.
Even if you don’t have diabetes, regular exercise can help you avoid problems in the future.
Assists in maintaining a healthy weight
You’ve probably heard that exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.
It’s nothing new, but it’s true!
Regular exercise can assist you in maintaining a healthy weight.
Cardio alone, without any dietary adjustments, contributed to weight loss in men and women who were overweight or obese during a 10-month period in a small 2013 trial with 92 participants.
Still, according to a 2017 research, combining exercise with dietary adjustments is the most beneficial.
So, by just stepping on the treadmill every day and eating as usual, you can lose weight.
However, you’ll be more effective if you integrate healthy eating habits as well.
Provides a mental boost
Cardio is good for your brain as well as your body.
Exercise has been linked to decreased cognitive decline, improved memory, and improved brain performance.
According to a 2013 study, regular cardiac exercise can help protect your brain against cognitive decline, which can start around the age of 45.
Working out increases molecules that support the hippocampus, which is the brain’s memory and learning center.
Sometimes before a test, it could be a good idea to go for a run, it could help you ace that test.