What are the benefits of improved benefits?

Improving cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has numerous benefits for the overall health and well-being of an individual. The first and most obvious benefit is that it results in an improvement of cardiovascular and respiratory function. The heart and lungs become more efficient, which means they do not have to work as hard during rest or exercise. Blood pressure and heart rate decrease as maximal oxygen consumption increases. This results in the ability to work harder longer.Another benefit, and arguably the most important, is the decrease in risk factors for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and Type 2 Diabetes. As CRF increases, there is a reduction in blood pressure, insulin needs and total body and visceral fat. Likewise, there is an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (good cholesterol) and glucose tolerance. This decrease in risk factors leads to an overall decrease in morbidity and mortality (death) and instances of sudden death associated with CVD, CAD, and Type 2 Diabetes. For the benefits of CRF aforementioned, there is strong evidence to support a dose-response relationship. This means that the more time spent participating in and improving CRF, the more of each benefit will be seen.CRF also results in several non-health related benefits. There is a decrease in anxiety and depression along with enhanced feelings of well-being. Cognitive function increases, as do the performances of work, recreational, and sports-related activities. ReferencesPescatello, L. S., Arena, R., Riebe, D., & Thompson, P. D. (2014). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.