‘Fitness’ exercise (ie ‘cardio’) is the lowest stress, lowest risk exercise suitable for a sedentary person on the brink of a heart attack and death. ‘Fitness’ and ‘cardio’ activities (such as walking, yoga and Pilates) are NOT chosen or designed for their magical conditioning and rejuvenating effects on the body; they are chosen because the people for whom they are intended are so physically decrepit that superior forms of exercise (such as intense weight training) could literally kill them.
So, what is an hour of ‘cardio’ training a healthy athlete to be? To be the worlds worst endurance athlete? To be slower and weaker?
Purpose of Fitness
‘Fitness’ exercise is as relevant to athletes as a bicycle to a fish; or a bazooka to a baby. Fitness exercise is a healthcare intervention for the ‘illness’ of inactivity. An inactive athlete might be the 148th gender, or some other mental condition. But for humans who train for sport or body recomposition, fitness exercise means training to be fatter, slower and weaker.
The fundamental goal of “fitness” is to cure inactivity. Any activity requiring physical effort is valid “fitness” exercise, regardless how stupid or ineffective it is; so long as it is ‘safe’
Cardiovascular (heart) disease is the most widespread deadly illness among the inactive. Cardiovascular exercise hopes to stop these people dying; not turn them into elite athletes.
Clinical health means measuring the same as everybody else; down to the fattest, worst 5% of society. Hence, having extraordinary physical form and function is often not ‘fit & healthy’.