Which activity is generally recommended for maintaining cardiovascular health?

Running is widely recognized as an effective activity for maintaining cardiovascular health because it elevates the heart rate and promotes increased blood circulation throughout the body. Engaging in running or similar aerobic exercises strengthens the heart muscle, improves overall cardiovascular efficiency, and can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

In addition to these benefits, running also enhances lung capacity and endurance, contributing to overall physical fitness. It is an accessible form of exercise that requires minimal equipment—just a pair of good running shoes—making it easy for individuals to incorporate it into their routine.

While weight lifting, yoga, and stretching have their own health benefits, they primarily target different aspects of fitness. Weight lifting focuses more on strength and muscle building; yoga promotes flexibility, balance, and relaxation; and stretching helps improve flexibility and reduces injury risk but does not have the same cardiovascular impact as running. Therefore, running stands out as the optimal choice for directly supporting cardiovascular health.