Cardiovascular Improvement

[Johnlogic121]

People do things like aerobics in various forms for cardiovascular training and running and swimming for endurance. There are also classes that incorporate martial arts movements into an aerobic workout, like cardio kickboxing and the "Tae Bo" system of exercises. What do people find to be the best thing for cardiovascular improvement? Aerobics was orginally called "Cooper" training when it was developed by the Air Force back in the 1950s, and it is good at cardiovascular development. Running, however, burns more fat per minute than any other form of exercise. Does anybody have any experience with both where they could recommend either aerobics or running? Running can be hard on joints in the long term, and aerobics can be done for a longer duration at lower intensity. Muscular endurance isn't quite the same as cardiovasular fitness and swimming and racquetball are said to be superb for building endurance. Muscular endurance requires that the muscles be resistant to the buildup of lactic acid that occurs during muscular contraction. Would anybody recommend cardio kickboxing or Tae Bo as good complements to their martial art, in the sense that it helps martial art performance while building you up physically? Has anybody got any other tips for cardiovascular fitness besides aerobics and running? --JL

[bushido_man96]

I think that swimming is probably one of the best ways to develop cardio endurance. It is low impact on the joints, and is one hell of a workout. It also forces you to control your breathing.

[tallgeese]

I'd try and incorporate it into your current training regime to save time. Try doing things by continous rounds with rest inbetween. Always end with rounds of some form of sparring.

Utilize "round robin" type training. One guy in, everyone else (with in reason) get a round with him. Everyone gets smoked doing this.

Of course, supplimental swimming, running, ect. will only help.

[bushido_man96]

Round robins are great. We did that when I Wrestled in middle school. Kicked my butt everytime.