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Also known as: aerobic exercise, group fitness
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
aerobics, system of physical conditioning that increases the efficiency of the body’s intake of oxygen, thereby stimulating the cardiovascular system, developing endurance, and reducing body fat. Increased energy, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, greater suppleness, stronger bones, better posture, and decreased stress levels are other benefits that may accrue from aerobic activity. To be effective, aerobic training must include a minimum of three sessions per week. During each session, usually lasting an hour, the exerciser’s heart rate must be raised to a training level for at least 20 minutes. (See also exercise.)
The concept of aerobics was pioneered in the United States by physician Kenneth H. Cooper and popularized in his books Aerobics (1968) and The Aerobics Way (1977). Cooper’s system uses point charts to rate the aerobic value of various exercises for different age-groups. As individuals progressively upgrade the quantity and quality of their exercise, they can gauge the improvement in their physical condition through the point system. In the 1980s aerobics was popularized by Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons through workout videotapes and instructional programs. Sometimes called group fitness, aerobics is most often practiced in health and fitness clubs where groups of one to two dozen exercisers follow the lead of an instructor whose movements are synchronized to up-tempo popular music.
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FAQs
Creating a Balanced Routine
Does aerobic exercise make you flexible? ›
The benefits of aerobic exercise include: Building stronger bones. Improving your muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. Improving your balance.
What are the 4 categories of fitness? ›
Research has shown that it's important to get all four types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Each one has different benefits.
What are the three categories of exercise? ›
The three main types of physical activity are aerobic, muscle strengthening, and bone strengthening. Balance and flexibility activities are also beneficial. Aerobic activity is the type that benefits your heart and lungs the most.
Can you do flexibility and strength training? ›
The answer is yes! Numerous research studies have shown that flexibility has improved range of motion in both upper and lower body joints as well as Sit-n-Reach measurements for men and women, young and older, trained and untrained by just participating in a strength training routine.
What type of exercise is best for flexibility? ›
Gentle movements, such as those in tai chi, Pilates or yoga, can help you be more flexible in specific movements. These types of exercises can also help reduce falls in older adults.
Does strength training cause poor flexibility? ›
Contrary to common gym lore, resistance training does not reduce flexibility. When an exercise is performed properly, through a full range of motion, it will actually help increase your flexibility.
What are the 4 S's of fitness? ›
Pilates is a functional form of fitness that aims to enhance mobility by integrating and working the four S's: Strength, Stamina, Stretch and Stability. Inadvertently, every Pilates exercise incorporates these working points.
What are the 5 levels of fitness? ›
There are five components of physical fitness: (1) body composition, (2) flexibility, (3) muscular strength, (4) muscular endurance, and (5) cardiorespiratory endurance.
What is 3 3 3 exercise? ›
*Name three sounds you hear. *Move three parts of your body — your fingers, shoulders, and then feet. *And point out three things you see. “Whenever you feel your brain going 1000 miles per hour, try this exercise to help bring you back to the present moment,” the psychologist said.
Over the long term, aerobic exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, depression, and falls. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity. Try brisk walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, dancing, or classes like step aerobics.
What are aerobics exercises? ›
Aerobic exercise is any cardiovascular conditioning or “cardio.” It can include activities like brisk walking, swimming, running, or cycling. By definition, aerobic exercise means “with oxygen.” Your breathing and heart rate will increase during aerobic activities.
Which food gives strength to the body? ›
To maximize muscle growth, a clean bulk is better than simply eating high calorie foods. This may include a well-balanced diet of healthy fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Some foods include chicken, shrimp, eggs, salmon, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and fruits.
Is flexibility an aerobic or anaerobic exercise? ›
What's the Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic? Aerobic exercise is known as “cardio.” It involves training that conditions your heart, such as running or cycling. Anaerobic exercise focuses more on strength and flexibility.
Why do I feel more flexible after working out? ›
If you exercise first, you'll get blood flow to the area, and that makes the tissue more pliable and amenable to change. All it takes to warm up the muscles before stretching is five to 10 minutes of light activity, such as a quick walk.
Is aerobic capacity related to flexibility? ›
For strength-related goals, enhancing aerobic capacity can improve blood, oxygen and nutrient flow to working muscles and help with recovery between sets of resistance-training exercises. Improving the flow of blood to muscles can also help improve flexibility.
