Final answer:
To improve cardiorespiratory fitness, engaging in aerobic exercises like jogging, swimming, cycling, and walking is recommended, aiming for at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week. These exercises enhance endurance and strengthen the heart, with recommended activity levels offering significant health and longevity benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Exercises for Cardiorespiratory Fitness
To improve cardiorespiratory fitness, a person should engage in aerobic exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, and walking. These activities are known to increase muscular endurance, improve cardiac health, and use oxygen efficiently. For effective improvement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults aged 18 to 64 should engage in regular aerobic physical activity for at least 2.5 hours at moderate intensity, or 1.25 hours at vigorous intensity, each week. Moderate-intensity activities allow a person to talk but not sing, whereas vigorous-intensity activities limit a person to speaking only a few words without stopping for breath.
Regular participation in aerobic activities can build up endurance and make the heart stronger. Additionally, incorporating periods of higher intensity can also contribute to improvements in fitness. It is important to note that the benefits of exercise increase with the amount of exercise, up to a certain point; therefore, following the recommended guidelines is important for gaining life expectancy and quality of life improvements.