Assessment
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Quick Win
Cardiovascular exercise has benefits for your heart, lungs, metabolism and even your brain.
Try This Today
- Ride your bike. Strap on a helmet and take a spin around your neighborhood or a park.
- Go for a walk. Take a stroll with your dog, invite a friend along or head out solo for some afternoon cardio and, if the sun’s shining, vitamin D.
- Put on some music and dance. Dancing to your favorite song is a fun way to sneak in cardiovascular exercise.
Why
Also known as aerobic exercise, cardiovascular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of heart disease, some types of cancer and diabetes. It may also improve your mental health and benefit your thinking skills and memory. In a review of 42 studies involving a total of 2,881 participants ages 45 and older, the researchers concluded that “aerobic exercise can significantly improve cognitive flexibility,” or your brain’s ability to switch between tasks. The study was published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies in 2024.
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