The Cardiorespiratory SystemThe respiratory system adds oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide from the blood, while the cardiovascular or circulatory system transports the oxygen together with nutrients and hormones to the body tissues and removes wastes from the body. Both systems work in close harmony. About 5 litres of blood circulate in an adult every minute when at rest to six or seven times a minute during maximal exercise. The rate of respiration is approximately 10 litres of air per minute when at rest to 60 litres during exercise. Well conditioned athletes use over 200 litres per minute. A complex and amazingly efficient system that works 24 hours a day year after year to keep us alive and to let us do the things we want to do. Obviously, the stronger the cardiorespiratory system, the better it works, the longer it lives. But like any system, it requires good maintenance. If not, it deteriorates and breaks down earlier than necessary. It's basically that simple. Proper physical activity together with proper nutrition is the only method to keep the cardiorespiratory system in a good condition. This is what happens as a result of proper physical activity:
cardiorespiratory training leads to the opposite results. A body with a poor cardiorespiratory condition is in trouble when it meets with a challenge it cannot withstand. If on time, one can prevent the system from breaking down by taking a rest. Avoiding a sudden strenous exercise is another strategy. But what if the "challenge" cannot be avoided, comes unexpectedly or cannot be controlled easily as is the case with accidents, periods of extreme cold/hot weather, illnesses or fierce emotions? It is not difficult to think of more examples that are part of "normal" daily living. To have a cardiorespiratory system in a good condition is extremely important. To feel healthier, to have a better quality of life and to live longer. If you want to improve your physical condition, I really congratulate you. I'm sure your relatives and friends will be greatfull. And I advice you to do it gradually. Consult your doctor if necessary and find a fitness professional who can help you. He or she will cost you money but what is that compared to the years you add to your life (and the life you add to your years)? The next page is about the muscular system and its relation to the other components of fitness; the cardiorespiratory system, flexibility and body composition.
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