Which activity best supports cardiovascular fitness?

Long-distance running or cycling are activities that significantly elevate the heart rate and sustain it over an extended period, which is key in improving cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness refers to the efficiency of the heart, lungs, and vascular system in delivering oxygen to working muscles during physical activity. When participating in long-distance running or cycling, the body engages in aerobic activity, which strengthens the heart muscle, enhances blood circulation, and increases lung capacity.

Other types of exercises, such as weight lifting with heavy loads or isometric stretching routines, primarily focus on building strength or flexibility rather than improving cardiovascular endurance. Similarly, moderate breathing exercises do not engage the cardiovascular system in the same manner as sustained aerobic activities do. Therefore, long-distance running or cycling stands out as the most effective option for supporting cardiovascular fitness.