Cardiovascular conditioning can be defined as the efficient transport and utilization of necessary oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the body. The cardiovascular system needs to be well conditioned to enable the body to deliver adequate oxygenated blood and nutrients to the working muscles, in addition to improving the muscles' capacity to use extra oxygen. Cardiovascular training is the most important style of training both for general health and for overall athletic performance.

One of the major systems of the body, which is effected by cardiovascular conditioning, is the circulatory system. With proper exercise the heart becomes stronger and is able to use energy more efficiently. Blood pressure will lower because the heart muscle does not have to work as hard to pump the blood. The heart will beat fewer times per minute while it is at rest, but it will be able to deliver a greater amount of blood with each stroke as a result of adequate conditioning. Conditioning has other benefits to cardiovascular fitness as well. It will increase oxygenation of the blood due to the fact that while exercising deep breathing increases the blood flow to the lungs. Under a well-pl

anned conditioning program conditioning can help to decrease cholesterol and the incidents of deadly heart disease. Individuals who exercise regularly have a lower rate of heart attacks than individuals who do not participate in an exercise program. One of the most important aspects of conditioning for the heart is the warm-up. Warming-up before intense exercise gradually increases the heart rate and prevents abnormal heart rhythms. Sudden extreme exercise can cause the heart to demand more oxygen than the circulatory system can provide, resulting in strain on the heart muscle. Warming-up will help to prevent heart attacks that result from abnormal heart rhythms.

A good program for beginners is the walk-jog routine. If you have not been exercising regularly or are recovering from an injury, this is a gradual, progressive program. To begin with walk one hundred paces, and then jog one hundred paces, alternating for ten minutes each day. Gradually walk ten fewer paces and jog ten more, continue on with this pattern until you are jogging for ten minutes straight. Once you have achieved this you can increase your jogging speed until it is within training range.

Treadmills are another piece of equipment that may be utilized. They are excellent for people who would like to run, but do not have the opportunity to run outside. They also decrease shock to your legs and back, and will help you keep an even pace. The disadvantage to a treadmill is that there is the tendency for people to not vary the elevation, and ignore the interval training aspect of a conditioning program, which is important.

As mentioned before, warming up before beginning your conditioning is very important. Brisk walking, light jogging, or riding a stationary bike are good way to gradually increase blood flow to the muscles. Usually a good sign that your muscles are becoming warm and loose is that you will begin to sweat, letting you know your body is warming up.

Something that can turn into a serious problem with cardiovascular training is overtraining. For an athlete who is successful in their sport who continues to build strength and endurance they feel there is no limit to their training and conditioning. This of course, is not the case. Overtraining is not only harmful, it is self-defeating as well. There is a good chance of experiencing internal fatigue, this in turn can lead to sports injuries, especially stress-related in

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