Aerobic fitness programs encompass any kind of exercise that gets your heart rate up. That is, your body takes in more oxygen because it needs to make your heart beat faster and pump more blood to get your major muscles moving. Aerobic activities improve heart health and burn calories, which can help you lose or maintain your weight. If you are new to aerobic fitness, consult your doctor before beginning.
Running
One aerobic fitness program you can follow is running. This kind of exercise gets your heart rate up quickly and can be performed indoors on a treadmill or outside in your local neighborhood or park. Running tones the muscles of your legs and improves lung capacity and endurance. Begin by running at least three times a week for 30 minutes at a time and increase frequency and duration as you gain strength.
Swimming
Swimming is another type of aerobic fitness that gets your heart pumping and strengthens your entire body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is a good way for those with health issues or chronic pain from arthritis to still get aerobic activity without placing undue stress on their joints. Swimming at least three times a week using a variety of strokes will improve your heart health and help you lose weight when combined with a healthy diet.
Aerobics
Aerobics classes and videos are other fitness programs that boost the heart rate and burn calories. These activities focus on rhythmic movement, oftentimes set to music, like step aerobics, dance, or even Zumba, which is Latin dance moves in an aerobics class setting. Aerobics videos that you use at home can also be helpful.
Cycling
Riding your bike outside or using a stationary bicycle in a fitness class both can elevate the heart rate and tone the arms and legs. If you don't have ideal terrain outdoors near your home, you can use a stationary bike indoors and add resistance to simulate hills to increase the intensity of the workout. The competitive group atmosphere of indoor cycling classes also increases your motivation, helping you complete your workout with greater efficiency.
Member Comments