Most of us have a pretty good grasp on the role that the cardiovascular system plays on your overall ability to push harder and for longer in the gym, cage, running track or elsewhere — but there are ways with which you can improve the manner in which oxygen travels through your system to elevate your endurance to its maximum level.
When it comes to boosting your cardio health, there aren’t many shortcuts. If you plant good seeds, you will only collect good fruits; a strategy which echoes the role of hard work in your cardiovascular health but an attuned circulatory system to better aid the delivery of oxygen through your system is a sometimes overlooked role in your overall stamina.
Your circulatory system consists of two networks working in tandem: the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic system. Your heart is the pump behind your cardiovascular system, pumping oxygenated blood through your vessels to every corner of your body. With poor circulation, your blood flow is impeded which places undue stress on your heart which can lead to a variety of diseases.
Your lymphatic system works with your cardiovascular network to keep your blood and lymphatic fluid levels balanced and to also rid toxins from your body. However, this system doesn’t have an organ like the heart to help it chug along and instead relies on gravity, muscle contraction (read: exercise), massage and activities such as this to achieve its aims.
Now, there are several ways in which you can boost both of your circulatory systems and below are a few tips to help get you on your way.
Drink Lots of Water
If you are dehydrated this can place stress on your circulatory system and can be even more taxing to your kidneys. As well as that, water makes up a significant part of your blood volume, so this one it pretty self-explanatory.
Exercise Regularly
A combination of strength training and cardio training is an important balance in your overall circulatory health. Cardio training (running, swimming, cycling etc.) helps boost your blood vessels and is good for your heart, while strength training boosts muscle mass which helps both of your circulatory systems.
Eat Well
This is something we should all be doing regardless. Lymph is made up of immune cells and the quality of them is increased by a healthy diet and weight management.
Get a Massage
As well as being incredibly relaxing, a massage can stimulate your blood and lymph vessels which helps the fluid keep moving and can eliminate inflammations and even accelerate healing, depending on what ails you.
Get on a Trampoline
This one doesn’t specifically have to be a trampoline but the motion of ‘vibration and rebounding therapy’ is a good way to get your blood pumping and will benefit your body’s biggest organ, your skin. Trampoline jumping is especially good for your lymphatic system as it causes your body’s one-way valves to open and close which increases flow. Plus, it’s really, really fun.
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