What are the benefits of endurance training?

In theory, endurance training allows a person to obtain a greater capacity for physical activity. In addition, endurance training and aerobic exercise are thought to help lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), regulate blood glucose levels, enhance digestion and bowel regularity and enhance circulation and cardiac output. People who exercise or do endurance training often have a lower risk of heart disease, depression, type 2 diabetes and cancer. In addition, patients who train may have an overall enhanced sense of well-being.

Based on clinical studies, endurance training in obese adults may improve glucose tolerance and alter muscle lipid content. The beneficial effect on glucose levels may prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in these individuals.

It has been shown that endurance training of less than two days a week, at less than 50% maximum oxygen uptake, for less than 10 minutes a day is inadequate for developing and maintaining fitness for healthy adults.