Aerobic comes from Latin. Aero means air and bic mean bio or life. Aerobics, then, is any physical activity that provides increased oxygen to the body. According to Tanja Baumann, a fitness consultant, fitness can be described as a state of physical, mental and emotional well-being. Fitness incorporates endurance, flexibility, strength and coordination. Thus, aerobic fitness is any physical activity that increases oxygen to the body in order to promote a state of well-being and a sense of self-awareness.
History of Aerobics
In the late 1960s, Kenneth Cooper sent his newly coined word--aerobics--to the Oxford English Dictionary for inclusion. His definition read, "Method of physical exercise for producing beneficial changes in the respiratory and circulatory systems by activities which require meeting a modest increase in oxygen intake and so can be maintained." At that time, Cooper documented 41 aerobic exercises.
Aerobic Activity
Aerobic activity is also known as cardiovascular activity. Both are physical activities that increase oxygen to the lungs, heart and other body tissues. Aerobic activities can range from a brisk walk to a 5K run. Aerobic exercise that reaches higher levels of intensity have greater value to strengthen the cardiovascular system and increase lung volume, according to Baumann.
Aerobic Exercise
Myoptumhealth.com explains aerobic exercises as involving a routine that uses large muscle groups, is maintained for longer periods of time and is rhythmic in nature. It states that regular aerobic activity improves the fitness of your heart, causing it to grow stronger and work better. A stronger heart means more blood is being pumped with every heart beat, thus increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues.
Examples of Aerobic Fitness Activities
Some examples of aerobics include running, swimming, cross-country skiing, jumping rope, cycling or biking, playing basketball, roller skating, walking briskly or dancing. Stationary exercise machines such as cycles, stair-steppers, treadmills or elliptical can provide an aerobic fitness benefits as well. These types of machines can be found in gyms and health clubs or can be purchased for the home.
Aerobic Fitness Workout
To ensure that an aerobic fitness workout is effective, there are a few things to consider: frequency, duration and intensity. Frequency refers to how many days you do an aerobic activity. Duration is how much time you spend on the activity and intensity is determined by how difficult the activity is. In general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that adults should get moderate-intensity (intensity) physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five or more days of the week (frequency).
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