Experts advise that to achieve a perfect fitness level, individuals need to undertake a combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. However, if you are planning to start an exercise regimen or have been leading a sedentary life till now, then aerobic exercise can help you achieve the fitness level that is required to embark upon more serious kind of exercises and strength training which are required to achieve optimum health and fitness.
Aerobics are easy to perform, can be done without any training and are also the only way by which you can level your fitness to start with more serious exercises.
So what exactly are aerobic exercises?
Aerobic exercises are those exercises that help the human body utilize oxygen efficiently. These are activities that increase your heart rate and make you breathe hard. Apart from these aerobics generally involves most major muscle groups and also works the heart. Aerobic exercise not only make the heart and the cardiovascular system stronger, it works all major muscle groups and is the most important exercise for weight loss since it helps in burning stored fats. Some common aerobic activities include step aerobics, brisk walking, jogging, skating, cycling and swimming.
What are the benefits of aerobics?
Aerobic exercises have a number of benefits that together aid you in achieving high fitness levels. The most important and prominent benefit of aerobics is weight loss, so if you want to become fitter and leaner, then aerobics is the way to go. Aerobics also strengthens the cardiovascular system and greatly reduces the risk of heart ailments and other weight related diseases. The body releases feel good hormones or endorphins during aerobics, so this type of exercise greatly helps in countering stress and anxiety and in keeping one mentally fit as well.
How can you use aerobics for increasing your fitness levels?
If you have not been leading an active life, then you should incorporate aerobics slowly into your schedule. Experts advise that at least 30 minutes of aerobics exercises should be undertaken 5 days a week in order to achieve optimum fitness levels. A minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise at a time is recommended if you actually want to get the complete benefits of the workout. If you are just starting out and you feel that 20 minutes at a stretch will be tough for you, then break your aerobic sessions down to two or three 10 minute ones with the aim of gradually getting down to thirty minutes of uninterrupted aerobics.
If you are already active and exercising, and have achieved your desired fitness level, then you should continue with your fixed exercise regimen. But if you feel that aerobics is not helping you lose weight or get fit, then switch to another aerobic activity or try to increase the exercise duration.
In order to get the best out of your aerobic program, choose an aerobic activity that you enjoy and feel comfortable with. If you are starting exercise after a long period of time, then take it slowly at the beginning and gradually increase both pace and intensity to avoid injury, muscle stress and boredom. By taking up exercise in this manner, you can use aerobics throughout life to keep yourself fit and healthy.
