Define Cardiovascular endurance Component for physical fitness?
In our previous section on work capacity, concepts of aerobic capacity Vo2 max were described. Cardiovascular endurance, in fact, is an individual's aerobic capacity or aerobic power, which is the ability to supply oxygen to the working muscles during physical activity. Or in other words, cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the heart, lungs and blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and to remove wastes during long period exercises such as running, cycling or swimming. Hence, all these terms are synonymous and used interchangeably.
Thus, moderately strenuous activity done over a period of time determines cardiovascular endurance. For example, jogging, continuous running, cycling, dancing, aerobics done for 20-30 minutes or longer are the activities of cardiovascular endurance. It reflects how well your heart and lungs work together to supply oxygen and nutrients to your body during exercise and exertion. Long runs and swims are among the methods employed in measuring this component. Longer the time taken for exhaustion better is the cardiovascular endurance.