Examples of Aerobic Exercise

If weight loss is the purpose of your exercise program, you would probably be interested in looking at examples of aerobic exercise. However, it is important to clarify what is meant is meant by the word “aerobic.”

What is Aerobic Exercise?

The term aerobic exercise is used to describe methods of conditioning that improve cardiovascular fitness and enhance the body's ability to consume oxygen. In fact, “with oxygen” is the literal definition of the word “aerobic.” For an exercise to be classified as aerobic, it must be rhythmic, continuous and performed at a steady pace. Depending on the intensity of the workout, aerobic exercise will usually burn fat, and sometimes carbohydrates, as its source of fuel. It's interesting to note that as your aerobic fitness improves, your body will be more likely to use fat, as opposed to carbohydrates as its fuel source. Aerobic exercise enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, which is one of the five components of physical fitness

The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise can have a profound effect on one's physical and mental health. Here are just a few of the benefits:

• An enlarged heart, which helps increase stroke volume

• The respiratory muscles are strengthened, which in turn increases lung capacity

• Lower resting heart rate

• Lower blood pressure

• Increased red blood cells

• Decreased depression

• Decreased risk of diabetes

• Decreased risk of osteoporosis

The last listed benefit, decreased risk of osteoporosis, has some interesting implications. In order for an exercise to effectively prevent osteoporosis, it must be a weight bearing activity. Thus, when looking for examples of aerobic exercise, keep in mind that it will usually involve your legs working in a weight bearing position. However, swimming, which is classified as an aerobic exercise, is one of the few exceptions to this rule.

Different Examples of Aerobic Exercise

Most people have their personal favorite type of aerobic exercise. Some people prefer to go to the gym and use the aerobic exercise equipment. These include the stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, cross country ski machines and stair stepping machines. Others would rather be outdoors, using nothing more than their own muscles to increase their heart rates. Those who love music and dance enjoy various forms of aerobic exercise classes, which feature steps that are choreographed to upbeat music. Here are some examples of the many forms of aerobic exercise.

Walking

Walking is one of the simplest examples of aerobic exercise. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, walking two miles a day can lower your mortality rate. Since walking is a low impact form of exercise, it is a safe activity for seniors, people with arthritis or those suffering from muscular/skeletal conditions. That said, there are a number of ways to intensify your walking workout. These include:

• Walking up hills
• Taking bigger strides
• Increasing speed
• Race walking

Running

Running appeals to those who are seeking a more intense workout. To avoid injury, runners wear special aerobic shoes. While many people run for cardiovascular health and weight loss, others enjoy the mental benefits. The so-called “runner's high” is a euphoric state caused by the release of chemicals known as endorphins.

Swimming

Swimming is another low impact aerobic exercise. Because it is less stressful on the joints than running, it is favored by pregnant women, seniors and people with arthritis. In addition to swimming, many people enjoy aqua aerobic classes, which are performed in the pool.

Aerobic Dance Exercise

If you love music, and if you are one of those people who has just got to dance, you will probably enjoy aerobic dance exercise classes. Many people enjoy the social element of these classes. Some aerobic dance classes have a specific musical theme, such as Latin music, oldies or hip hop. These classes might even incorporate dance training into the aerobic workout.

What's the best type of aerobic exercise? The answer is simple -- the type you enjoy the most.

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• Male Fitness Model

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