“Cardio” sporting activity includes all types of aerobic training that use oxygen to produce energy, from running to swimming and cycling. These exercises improve cardiovascular healthand according to a study by the University of South Australia they even reduce mortality and the risk of falling ill.
The benefits of cardio training
—
The researchers evaluated the incidence of cardio training through a parameter: the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task), a unit of measurement that estimates the amount of energy used by the body during physical activity. According to the study, increasing cardiorespiratory capacity by just one MET results in a 11% reduction in the risk of death and 18% reduction in the risk of heart disease. One MET equals 3.5 milliliters of oxygen consumed or one kilocalorie per kilogram of body weight. According to researchers, to reduce the risk of getting sick you should walk at a brisk pace for at least 150 minutes a week.
How to increase METs?
—
On average, a person consumes only one MET while sitting. Light physical activity consumes approximately 3 METs, while moderate intensity aerobic activity ranges from 3 to 6 METs. Furthermore, we talk about high intensity physical activity. The Compendium of Physical Activities, updated just this year, has drawn up MET values for dozens of activities: for example, yoga consumes 2.3 METs, while a run between 4 and 6 km/h leads to consuming 3.3 METbut by increasing the speed the energy consumed will obviously also increase. A swim at a normal pace consumes 5.8 METswhich however can also become 9.8 at very high rates.
Leave with a group of sportsmen like you, discover Gazzetta Adventure and Tribala trips dedicated to sport and fun around the world
The importance of cardio activity in prevention
—
As explained by Professor Gran Tomkinson, professor at the University of South Australia and lead author of the study, cardio activity is the most important for staying healthy: “In this study we found that high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness reduce the risk of death early for any cause low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness they are much more likely to die early or develop chronic heart disease as they age. For most people, an increase in MET can be achieved through a regular aerobic exercise program. The message is very simple: if you exercise a lot, the risk of dying early or developing diseases in the future is reduced. If you avoid exercise, your health may suffer.”
