Cardio is a form of exercise that results in an increased heart rate as well as improved muscular functioning which ultimately leads to general body fitness. Cardio as a form of physical exercise, involves engagement of larger body muscles, often referred to as gross motor activities. Apart from raising the heart rate during exercise, cardio exercise also enables our muscles to maintain a good shape and condition. This results in a more healthy and efficient functioning body, while helping us to achieve the primary goal of cardio exercise, which is a stronger cardio vascular system that is characterized with more capillaries carrying more oxygen to the muscular cells. Increased oxygen supply in turn allows your body to break down more fat during exercise as well as during resting period.
Low intensity exercise rates for an elongated period of time enables you to participate in the cardio form of exercise. For instance, engaging your body in rhythmic exercises for more than 15 minutes while maintaining 60 to 80% of your maximum heart rate is an ideal way of taking part in cardio exercise. This leads to a number of health and fitness benefits such as increased stamina, control of body weight and other benefits related to psychological and mental functioning of the body including reduced anxiety and enhanced moods.
Review of Cardio history in body building
Cardio as a form of physical exercise has passed through a series of steps to become what it is today. At first, it became necessary as a means of solving problems associated with cardiovascular system. As its benefits became increasingly instrumental in day to day life, people started seeing the need to adopt it as a form of physical exercise. Read on to discover how cardio evolved to become an important form of body exercise that is widely practiced almost everywhere around the globe in the present day.
Cardio in 1960s
Cardio exercise first became relevant and useful in 1960s when Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper came up with a system of physical exercise meant to prevent a type of sickness that affected coronary artery. This system was first used at the Air Force Hospital, originally meant to benefit those who were in the military. Dr. Kenneth called it ‘Aerobics’ in his book which was published in 1968. This was followed by dance routines developed by a dancer named Jackie Sorenson with an aim of improving cardio fitness and she coined them ‘aerobic dance’.
Cardio in 1980s through 1990s
Between 1978 and 1987 the total number of people doing cardio was estimated to rise from 6 million to 19 million according to the statistics of Aerobic.org.
In 1983, Howard and Karen Schwartz developed another type of aerobics called sport-aerobics. This was closely followed by the first national aerobic championship by the sport fitness international organization in 1984. In this championship, competitors were to perform a one-minute and 45-seconds routine dance to the music.
In 1989, Gin Miller who was a competitive gymnast introduced another form of cardio called step aerobics. She did this by using her porch steps to rehabilitate her weaker knee with a low-impact stepping set to the musical rhythm. In the sand me year, Reebok bought this idea and she is currently considered the proponent of Step aerobics according to Healthy Exercise World.
The name sport-aerobics was later changed Gymnastique in 1996.
Criticisms against Cardio
Cardio, just like any other development, faced some criticism in the course of its evolution. Majorly, it was criticized as being an incomplete form of exercise, according to PersonalPowerTraining.net. Other critics claim that cardio is not an effective way of reducing obesity. With increased use of Cardio however, criticisms have ceased and it has become one of the mainstream fitness technique.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, cardio has passed through several stages to become what it is today. Despite a few criticisms, the benefits of cardio are immense and absolutely significant in achieving proper functioning of the body. With continued research, more benefits of cardio in body building shall be unveiled.
About the Author
Robert is kee on investigating in healthcare issues, regarding weight loss tactics. Healthy lifestyle and workout routine. His website – thefitnesstracker.com – is a great digital for those who are concerning about fitness tracker – a healthcare gadget for making a better life.
Exactly cardio exercise is good for health. Containing huge information about cardio here which is loved and even well for everybody. On the other hand, indoor exercise is also important for cardio.
Hi Kamelli, thanks so much for stopping by. I’m sure the author is thrilled you enjoyed it 🙂 As you say, cardio is good for all round health
What a great read. I’ve never thought of looking into the history of cardio. Great job!