When talking about walking and the benefits of exercise, aerobic training and cardiovascular fitness are terms usually mentioned, but do you know what this means?

 Aerobic training relates to the energy system you are using in order to continue the activity.  It means you are utilising oxygen to help produce energy in the working muscles. Using the aerobic energy system means you can continue training for long periods of time.  It is the system you use for anything you need energy for longer than three minutes. In order to keep this system effective, we need to continue to train this energy system, challenging our cardiovascular fitness. 

 But why keep this system effective?

It will give the heart, lungs, and muscles stamina.  It will reduce the risk of many health conditions, improving your mood and mental health challenges. Your heart rate can be influenced positively and has the added benefit of weight loss.

 When wanting to train your aerobic system, consider the intensity you are training at.

 Aerobic training relates to effort levels which challenge your breathing, you get sweaty, you get hot, and the heart is pumping.  You find it harder to hold a full conversation, but you can still respond to questions.  Anything higher than this would alter the energy system and could not be maintained for extended periods of time.  The body can’t convert oxygen quick enough to provide enough fuel for the effort level.  Anything lower than the suggested intensity level will not bring any gains.