The Benefit Of Aerobics

A particular form of Aerobic Exercise which is complementary to anaerobic exercise. Aerobic literally means 'with oxygen', and refers to the use of oxygen in the energy-generating process for muscles. Oxygen, fats, and glucose are used to produce adenosine triphosphate, the basic fuel for all cells.

There are various types of aerobic exercise. In general, aerobic exercise is one that is performed at a moderately high level of intensity over a long period of time. For example, running a long distance at a moderate pace is an aerobic exercise, but sprinting is not.

Aerobic exercise confers many health benefits. It burns calories very effectively and, if performed regularly, can also increase the basal metabolic rate, both of which aid in weight loss.

This form of exercise was first promoted by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper in the 1960s, as a type of training designed to strengthen the heart and the lungs.

When test subjects participated in regular, vigorous aerobic exercise, they gained a number of health benefits, which he collectively called the aerobic 'Training Effect'. These benefits include:

• Strengthening the muscles involved in respiration, to facilitate the flow of air in and out of the lungs.
• Strenghtening the heart muscle, to improve its pumping efficiency and reduce the resting heart rate.
• Toning muscles throughout the body, which can improve overall circulation and reduce blood pressure.
• Increasing the total number of red blood cells in the body, to facilitate transport of oxygen throughout the body.

Regular, vigorous aerobic activity can, therefore, reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular problems. In addition, high-impact aerobic activities (such as jogging or jumping rope) can stimulate bone growth, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis for both women and men.

Aerobics a particular form of Aerobic Exercise.

Aerobics classes generally involve rapid stepping patterns, performed to music with cues provided by an instructor.

This type of aerobic activity became quite popular after the 1970 publication of Dr. Cooper's book 'The New Aerobics', and went through a brief period of intense popularity in the 1980s, when many celebrities (such as Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons) produced videos or created television shows promoting this type of aerobic exercise.

These are other benefits of Aerobics

• Increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
• Improvement in cardiovascular/cardio respiratory function (heart and lungs)

• Increased maximal cardiac output (amount of blood pumped every minute)
• Increased maximal stroke volume (amount of blood pumped with each beat)
• Increased blood volume and ability to carry oxygen
• Reduced workload on the heart (myocardial oxygen consumption) for any given sub-maximal exercise intensity

• Increased blood supply to muscles and ability to use oxygen
• Lower heart rate and blood pressure at any level of sub-maximal exercise
• Increased threshold for lactic acid accumulation
• Lower resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure
• Increased HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
• Decreased blood triglycerides
• Reduced body fat and improved weight control
• Improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance

Besides for these benefits exercise also promotes a healthy heart by reducing depression and promoting relaxation and feelings of well being.

Exercises That Qualify As Aerobics

Any movement - as long as it is sustained for at least 15-20 minutes - that makes your heart beat faster falls in the general category of aerobics. Running and jogging and brisk walking are all aerobics.

Other forms of aerobics are swimming, cross country and alpine skiing, cycling, mountain climbing, dancing or any other activity that puts your heart in motion, making it beat faster and pump blood more efficiently.

For an activity to qualify as aerobics, therefore, an increase in the heart rate must be involved. You can monitor your heart rate by getting a heart rate monitor. You can even get a HealthFitCounter to keep track of all your aerobic activities.

Avoid Heart disease: Through Exercise And Living A Heart Healthy Lifestyle

Don't wait for a heart attack to occur before deciding to exercise. Exercise knows no age barriers. Young and old must get into an exercise program. If you need advice on how to start you can ask the advice of these online personal trainers.

Remember that aerobics forms only a part of an overall wellness program. To obtain good heart health, one must also stop smoking, reduce cholesterol levels, eat healthy and maintain ideal body weight. These are the ways leading to a healthy heart.

Heart disease is the leading causes of death, so if your lifestyle makes you a candidate for heart disease, adopt drastic changes. The heart is the "life muscle," so keep it happy. Aim for a healthier YOU!