Concepts of Fitness and Wellness 2e, 2018

Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Objectives:
• Define the cardiovascular and respiratory system
• Describe how the cardiorespiratory system works
• Identify the benefits of cardiorespiratory fitness
• What is the importance of this system?
• Identify methods for assessing and improving the CR system
What is the cardiovascular
and respiratory system?
Imagine for a moment climbing to the top
of Mt. Everest, a challenging feat very few
have accomplished. In the process, you
gradually ascend from base camp, which
sits at about 17,500 feet above sea level, to
the peak at over 29,000 feet. At this
elevation, the pressure of oxygen is so low,
you struggle to take in a satisfying breath.
Although you strive to breathe deeply, you
are unable to get enough air. Your heart
rate increases and you might even develop
nausea and a headache. Unless your body
has a chance to acclimate itself to higher
elevations or you gain access to
supplemental oxygen, your symptoms will
persist or worsen.
These are the sensations many people with
cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses, such
as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or mild
cardiovascular disease, experience on a
daily basis. Climbing up a flight of steps may
leave them gasping for air, as would walking
briskly or even breathing in cold air.
Regardless of the cause, being unable to
take in sufficient air can create a sense of
panic and cause serious physical discomfort.
From this simple example, hopefully, you
feel an appreciation for the simple act of
breathing and ensuing satisfaction that
comes with each life-sustaining breath. For
most people, unless they engage in
strenuous physical activity sufficient to get
them breathing hard, their cardiovascular
and respiratory system (heart, blood
vessels, and lungs) operates efficiently
enough to go relatively unnoticed.
However, does that mean their
cardiorespiratory (CR) system is functioning
at optimal capacity? Or, could it be
operating at a minimum level and
experiencing problems that go undetected?
This chapter defines cardiorespiratory
fitness, examines the benefits of a healthy
CR system, and explores how to effectively
assess and improve the CR system.
The Benefits of Good
Cardiorespiratory Health
The link below provides a list of specific
benefits:
• List of Benefits
1