How can cardiovascular exercises like running assist in weight management?

Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, are effective for weight management primarily because they increase caloric expenditure. When you engage in these activities, your body requires more energy to fuel the muscles and sustain the increased heart rate. This heightened energy demand leads to burning more calories during the workout and, depending on the intensity and duration, can also result in an increased metabolic rate afterward, contributing to additional calorie burn.

Incorporating running into a fitness regimen encourages a negative energy balance, where the calories burned exceed the calories consumed, which is essential for weight loss or maintenance. This aligns well with weight management strategies that focus on energy expenditure rather than solely on dietary restrictions or muscle building. While other options may touch on aspects related to fitness and health, they do not directly address the significant role cardiovascular workouts play in calorie burning, which is crucial for effective weight management.