What is cardiovascular exercise?

Cardiovascular exercise, also known as aerobic exercise, is physical activity that one engages in over an extended period of time without stopping.  Experts consider the shortest length of time that will produce benefit is about 20 minutes of continuous activity.  Running is an example of aerobic exercise.  It is cardiovascular because "cardio" refers to the heart's role in the exercise and "vascular" refers to the system of veins, arteries and capillaries containing the blood that is pumped through the body by the heart containing the oxygen used to fuel your muscles.  "Aerobic" is a more specific term referring to the type of metabolism that is employed by the body to fuel this type of exercise.  The body has three energy systems and this type of exercise uses the third system.  The first two fuel short bursts or bouts of energy and are quickly used up.  For exercise lasting for longer periods of time the body moves into its third system in which it metabolizes fat for energy.  This is why cardiovascular exercise is best for weight loss goals.

Other examples of cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercise include swimming laps, cycling, jumping rope, aerobic dance, skating or any other type of activity that you can maintain without stopping for at least 20 minutes or longer.