The American Heart Association (AHA) expects the total number of heart
failure incidents go up and by the year 2030 based on the way things
are going right now. The good news, however, is that it can still be
prevented. Studies have time and time again shown how along with a healthy
diet, regular cardiovascular exercise can help prevent not only heart disease
but also a host of other fatal illnesses.
But that’s not all cardio has to offer. Did you know that it can actually help
you build muscle? That’s right. Contrary to popular belief, aerobic
exercises will not rob you of your gains and may actually promote better
results.
Increased intensity
The first way it does so is by allowing you to lift heavier weights. According
to the US Forest Service, your VO2 max or overall aerobic
fitness determines the intensity of effort you can put out. Of course, the
heavier the weights you lift, the more compelling the stimulus your muscles
receive to grow. So, be sure to incorporate activities like running or cycling
into your fitness regimen.
Can’t go out? Do your cardio
training on a stationary bike or treadmill instead. It will not only make
the whole thing much more convenient, it’ll also allow you to stick to your
training schedule regardless of the weather outside. Keep in mind that
cardiovascular fitness is one of the first things to go when you stop
training. So, you’ll need to be consistent if you want to keep enjoying the
benefits of your training.
Improved blood circulation
One of the roles of blood is to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the
different muscles in the body. This means that the better your circulatory
system becomes at doing its job, the better your body’s fuel delivery system
becomes. Well, cardio training allows it to do just that. The result is that
your muscles get everything they need to grow bigger and stronger.
Supercharge your progress
While it may seem counterproductive, cardiovascular exercises are actually a
great way to boost the effectiveness of your resistance workouts. They don’t
only help you lift heavier weights, but also enable you to recover faster by
improving your body’s blood circulation. Just be sure to eat enough quality
calories and get sufficient rest in between training sessions and you won’t
ever have to worry about losing any muscle in the process.