What is complete cardiovascular work up?

Answer 1

Swimming is only 1 of many; check below:


Methods of cardiovascular exercise

The main purpose of CV exercise is to get a conditioning effect on the heart. Once you've determined the pulse level to work at, you need to decide what exercise method (or methods) you want to use. Having more than one routine and switching between them makes sense.

Running (or jogging) is probably the most popular with exercycles, treadmills, in-place running, skipping rope and aerobics also prominent. Running sometimes is criticized as being hard on the knees. However, exercycles and kindred machine methods can sometimes impose similar problems despite the absence of impact on the joints. If you have persistent problems with joint pain, try rapid in-place jogging on a small trampoline. These can be found in sporting goods stores for around $30.

Cost is one obvious factor. If you choose to start running, all you need is some running shoes, shorts and a T shirt, depending on the weather. Many women find that the “running bras” available at fitness stores help. The main feature of running shoes is the thick resilient heels they’re designed with. These cushion the impact as your foot hits the ground. You’re probably best off replacing them every 6 or 12 months as the resiliency gets impacted out of the heel material.

Running outdoors isn’t much fun when it’s sleeting, the wind is howling or there's three feet of snow on the ground. It’s important to have another method that you can do indoors when the weather is bad - you want to maintain your exercise habit irregardless of weather.

Many people use exercycles and treadmills. Remember, the main goal in a CV workout is to achieve an elevated heart rate falling within your personal conditioning range. How you do it is secondary. Some people might accomplish it with rapid in place jogging or skipping rope; others by running or biking. Everyone is different and the key is to experiment and find the right level and types of exercise that work for you personally.

Some CV exercise methods

Running (jogging)
Aerobics
Skip rope
In-place jogging (with or without a small trampoline)
Nordic skiing machine
Treadmill machine
Bike riding
Exercycle (stationary bike) machine
Rowing machine
Swimming
Speed walking
Stair step machine
Ladder drill (using the first step of a common 5 foot step ladder)

Answer 2

Swimming