Background

Endurance training involves physical activity that improves aerobic fitness. Endurance, also referred to as stamina, is the ability to perform vigorous physical activities for extended spans of time.

Endurance training activities include many low to medium intensity exercises that increase the heart rate. Some examples include bike riding, running, and power-walking. Endurance training may be performed at a target heart rate.

Safety Safety definitions

Pregnancy And Lactation: There is insufficient reliable evidence about the safety of endurance training. Avoid this practice.

Effectiveness Effectiveness definitions

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE TO RATE

Diabetes. Preliminary clinical research suggests that endurance training may improve glucose tolerance and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals. More evidence is needed to rate endurance training for this use.

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

Adverse effects

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

None known.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

None known.

Interactions with foods

None known.

Interactions with lab tests

Interactions with diseases

Mechanism of action

Theoretically, after endurance training, the heart, lungs, arteries, blood vessels and major body organs are able to withstand vigorous physical activities more efficiently. In other words, endurance training may result in a greater capacity for physical activity in the trainee. In addition, endurance training can theoretically help lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, regulate blood glucose levels, enhance digestion, and enhance circulation.