OXYGENATION OF THE BODY

For the technical minded the main reasons to exercise is to increase the VO² max which is the rate the body can use oxygen in maximal aerobic metabolism and to increase the O² diffusing capacity which is the ability to get oxygen into the blood for use.

For the rest of us it means that your body has more lung capacity and can get the oxygen to all the parts that need it.

Interestingly it has been shown that the max capacity for these functions can be reached in about six weeks of training and doing that training at about 2 days per week. (Sports Physiology. Philadelphia, Saunders College Publishing, 1979)

Having the max oxygen available is important for several reasons but the main reason is that it is necessary for the production of energy from the Kreb's cycle in the mitochondria. The more available oxygen means more available energy the the body has the capacity to produce.

It would be like making peanut butter sandwiches.... You can make more peanut butter sandwiches when you have more peanut butter...

Another vital function of oxygen is to oxidize lactic acid so that waste products of the body can be broken down and revitalized instead of creating damage.

You cannot get the most out of your body unless you are getting the most out of your lungs. Exercise is irreplaceable for this function.