Cardiorespiratory endurance—the ability of the body to perform prolonged, large-muscle, dynamic exercise at moderate-to-high levels of intensity—is a key health-related component of fitness. As explained in Chapter 2, a healthy cardiorespiratory system is essential to high levels of fitness and wellness. This chapter reviews the short- and long-term effects and benefits of cardiorespiratory endurance exercise. It then describes several tests that are commonly used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Finally, it provides guidelines for creating your own cardiorespiratory endurance program, one that is geared to your current level of fitness and built around activities you enjoy.

After reading this chapter, you should be able to Describe how the body produces the energy it needs for exercise

List the major effects and benefits of cardiorespiratory endurance exercise

Explain how cardiorespiratory endurance is measured and assessed

Describe how frequency, intensity, time (duration), and type of exercise affect the development of cardiorespiratory endurance

Explain the best ways to prevent and treat common exercise injuries