Fitness and health experts typically suggest including aerobic activities in most workout plans. They have a good reason. By doing aerobic exercises, which use the large muscles in your legs, arms and hips, you help improve your health and your fitness level in several ways. Running, biking and swimming are all examples of aerobic exercise.
Building a Healthier Heart
Aerobic exercise makes your heart beat faster and work harder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Like any muscle that's stressed, it gets stronger. As a result, your heart pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow through your body. A strong, healthy heart also beats more slowly when you're not as active. That's good for the heart, too, because it doesn't have to work as hard.
Clearing Arteries
Aerobic exercise has a positive effect on your arteries by boosting your "good" cholesterol--high-density lipoprotein--according to the Mayo Clinic. Simultaneously, it lowers your "bad" cholesterol--low-density lipoprotein. This can mean less buildup of plaques in your arteries. Arterial plaque can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. If you've already had a heart attack, regular aerobic activity can help prevent another.
Strengthening Immune System
Because aerobic exercise kicks up your immune system, it makes you less susceptible to colds and flu, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, these workouts lessen the risk of several serious illnesses. That includes obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and high blood pressure. Another advantage is the effect of weight-bearing aerobic exercise on bones. Walking and jogging can help make bones stronger and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
Fight Cancer
Though aerobic workouts can't eliminate the risk of cancer, they can modify the risks associated with some types of the disease, according to the American Council on Exercise. For instance, obesity is a risk factor in breast cancer as well as cancers of the female reproductive system. Aerobic exercise, done regularly and paired with healthy eating, can help you lose weight.
Lifting Spirits
Stress can have a negative affect on your body in multiple ways. You might suffer from headaches, stomach discomfort, sleeplessness, weight gain, muscle tension or other physical symptoms. Aerobic exercise can help you manage stress, functioning as a healthy outlet for your tension, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Aerobic activities also can help you manage depression.
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