Leg exercises or the so-called "leg day" are very important for sculpting the figure, for burning more calories, and for overall strengthening of the body and strengthening of the bone structure. However, the benefits of strength training, resistance training, and weightlifting also have another really impressive he alth benefit. This is the improvement of the cardiovascular system.
Although we're used to associating cardio with its cardiovascular he alth benefits, strength training and weight training have enviable positive effects on the heart and circulatory system.
According to a 2019 study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, cited by he althdigest.com, resistance training supports the overall function of the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and accidents.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, aerobic training, such as swimming, running, cycling, brisk or moderate walking, significantly improves heart function and stimulates blood vessel functions. But this does not mean that the focus should fall only on cardio. Heart he alth also depends to a large extent on strength training, even the lighter ones.
One of the most common causes of cardiovascular disease is the accumulation of fat and deposits in the blood vessels, pericardial and epicardial areas of the heart muscle, according to the Journal of the American Heart Association. When these fats begin to accumulate in the arteries, a prerequisite is created for high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and strokes.
Strength training can also contribute to weight control, which is extremely important for cardiovascular he alth. If overweight or obesity is present, the cardiovascular risk increases significantly.
How much strength training is needed?
According to the Mayo Clinic, for people who are not athletes and bodybuilders, but just exercising for he alth, two to three times a week of strength training is quite enough to improve heart he alth and strengthen blood vessels. Moderate exercise helps lower cholesterol, control blood triglycerides, and balance blood sugar levels.
The purpose of strength training is to tire the leg muscles, which simultaneously strengthens the muscles, bones, blood vessels and heart by forcing the body to repair micro-damage in the muscles after exercise. This ultimately makes the muscles (along with the heart) stronger, stronger and more resilient, according to Medical News Today.
