An aerobic workout is any type of exercise meant to increase oxygen in the blood and support the lungs and heart. Although the term "aerobics" is often associated with specific types of exercise classes or videos, aerobic exercise can also include swimming, running, bicycling, walking, and more. Choosing the right aerobic workout involves consideration of your body's health needs and the amount of calories you'd like to burn. All aerobic exercises burn calories while toning muscle and supporting the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system.
Low-Impact Aerobics
Low-impact aerobics refers to a type of aerobic exercise designed to minimize stress on the joints. In low-impact aerobics, one foot is generally kept in contact with the floor at all times, reports I Love India. Low-impact aerobics are considered suitable for obese people and pregnant women, as well as the elderly and those who haven't exercised for some time. The Mayo Clinic reports that an hour of low-impact aerobics burns 365 calories for a 160-pound person, 455 calories for a 200-pound person, and 545 pounds for a 240-pound person. Walking and using a stationary bike are two examples of low-impact aerobics.
High-Impact Aerobics
High-impact aerobics usually involve some degree of weight bearing and repetitive pounding or strain on the musculoskeletal system, according to Everything.com. This type of workout usually raises the heart rate significantly. Some examples of high-impact aerobics are running or jogging, jumping rope, or dance type aerobics that involve a significant amount of landing on the joints. An hour of high-impact aerobics burns 511 calories for a 160-pound person, 637 calories for a 200-pound person, and 763 calories for a 240-pound person, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is another type of aerobic exercise that spares the joints while elevating the heart rate, reports the Times of India. Because this type of exercise often involves the use of floatation devices, a person usually doesn't need to know how to swim in order to do it. You can use dumbbells, do jogging or walking in water, or perform various other types of exercises under water. One hour of water aerobics burns 292 calories for a 160-pound person, 364 calories for a 200-pound person, and 436 calories for a 240-pound person, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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