We all know the benefits of exercise on our health and well-being. More specifically, we understand the effects that exercise has on our metabolism, commonly and frequently referred to as a prime metabolic booster, especially when talking about cardiovascular activity.
However, new research on the subject suggests that exercise, and more specifically, long-term cardiovascular exercise, provides a greater stimulus and metabolism than we once thought.
This is great news for several reasons!
Not only does this mean that exercise offers a profound benefit on energy production as a whole, but it may also aid in fat loss and weight loss more than we had originally thought. In addition, while long-term cardiovascular activity has been traditionally thought to be a muscle destroyer of sorts, recent studies suggest quite the contrary.
In short, long-term cardiovascular exercise has been shown to provide several metabolic adaptions, both in the magnitude of benefits and variety of benefits
experienced.
In this article, we’ll be briefly discussing what metabolism is and how exercise impacts it.
Following, we’ll uncover the several metabolic benefits that long-term cardiovascular activity has on the body and why this is incredible news!
In short, metabolism is defined as the naturally occurring, self-sustaining, chemical processes in the body that aids in converting the food we consume into energy.
Metabolism is imperative for three distinct reasons:
- Converting food (calories) into cellular energy
- Converting food to proteins, fats, and carbs
- Eliminating metabolic waste
A great tool for boosting metabolism is exercise, and more specifically, cardiovascular exercise. By encouraging an uptick in energy and energy expenditure, and improving the overall metabolic process via fat loss and weight loss, exercise provides several metabolic benefits for those who partake in a long-term, consistent exercise regimen.
Having a healthy metabolism as we age is even of greater importance which is why it’ becomes even more important to exercise as we get older.
Nevertheless, no matter your age, cardiovascular exercise, and exercise in general, is imperative to a healthy metabolism, among other things.
Metabolic Benefits of Cardiovascular Activity
By engaging in rigorous activity on a consistent basis, you inherently become stronger, both in your heart and muscles. By challenging yourself for the long-term, you not only strengthen your heart and build muscle, but you, as a result, boost your metabolism; a process imperative for weight loss and maintenance, as well as longevity and general health.
While long-term cardiovascular exercise has several profound effects, certainly not limited to a boost in metabolism, below are the most common benefits that you can come to expect.
- Burns Body Fat
- Improves Blood Pressure
- Boosts Metabolism
- Decreases Risk of Metabolic Disease
- Increases Weight Loss
- Decreases Resting Heart Rate
- Aids in Appetite Suppression
- Improves Lung Function
- Increases Bone Density
- Improvements in Insulin Sensitivity
- Improves Brain Function
- Aids in the Natural Development of the Body
Note that the more consistent you are with your cardiovascular regimen, and the longer you stick to it, the greater the benefits and results.
Outlook on Short-Term vs. Long-Term Cardio and Metabolism
Although exercise is known to be a naturally effective metabolism booster, the naive notion that exercise can boost metabolism overnight is simply false.
In fact, metabolism is quite a difficult process to change or impact in any way. Some would actually argue that metabolism cannot significantly change, especially in a short period of time.
The truth is that yes, metabolism can be difficult to influence in the short term. Moreover, it’s most certainly a naive belief that one can impact their metabolism overnight from one or two cardiovascular activities.
Long-term cardiovascular activity, on the other hand, can and has been shown to drastically impact and improve metabolic processes. Not only because of the increase in muscle mass over time but also because of the general improvement in health, from weight loss to lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Final Thoughts
In conjunction with proper diet (example, low-carb diet) and nutrition, consistent exercise, and other lifestyle factors, long-term cardiovascular activity can have a drastic impact on several metabolic processes. The benefits of exercise on metabolism are simply undeniable.
So, if you’re currently struggling with your weight or you happen to suffer from high blood pressure, cholesterol, or generally poor heart health, consider exercise and cardiovascular activity as a primary prescription.
While results won’t happen overnight, in time, and with consistency, commitment, and effort, long-term cardio can drastically improve metabolism, and thus, drastically improve one’s life.
As always, if you have any concerns or have predisposed health conditions, it’s important to first consult with your doctor prior to the engagement of any new activity.
Nonetheless, when long-term exercise, and more specifically cardiovascular activity, is implemented consistently over time, the results are truly astounding. It’s never too late to begin. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, or simply become a healthier individual, partaking in a consistent long-term exercise regimen in conjunction with other lifestyle changes is a recipe for success.
