From this Science daily article Brief, Intense Exercise Can Benefit The Heart, Study Shows:
"More and more, professional organizations are recommending interval training during rehabilitation from diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral artery disease and cardiovascular disease. Our research certainly provides evidence that this type of exercise training is as effective as traditional moderate intensity training," says MacDonald. "We wouldn't be surprised to see more rehabilitation programs adopt this method of training since it is often better tolerated in diseased populations".
Six weeks of intense sprint interval exercise training improves the structure and function of arteries as much as traditional and longer endurance exercise with larger time commitment.
Short bursts of high intensity sprints--known to benefit muscle and improve exercise performance--can improve the function and structure of blood vessels, in particular arteries that deliver blood to our muscles and heart.
This type of training mentioned in the article is called high intensity interval training (HIIT). With HIIT you really can get more out of exercising less. This training can be incorporated into strength training sessions as well. HIIT is the type of strength training we do at both of our facilities: New Orleans Fitness Trainers and Austin Fitness Trainers.
Some of the benefits associated with high intensity interval strength training beside a healthy heart are:
Improves athletic performance
Increases metabolism
Preserves bone density
Lowers anxiety
A Ninefold Improvement in Fat Burning
Improves cognitive development