What Is the Importance of Aerobics?

When you're developing a new fitness regimen, ensure it includes at least one type of aerobic exercise. Aerobic activities vary significantly in simplicity and difficulty, but adding them to your workout gives you a lengthy list of physical and mental health benefits. Whether you prefer to keep active at the gym or have the discipline to exercise at home, it doesn't require much creativity to perform aerobic exercises.

  1. Aerobic Exercise Definition

    • Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, is a type of exercise that includes several muscle groups, has a distinct rhythm and is possible to maintain for a period of time, according to the University of Miami Health System. HealthStatus also notes that aerobic exercise boosts your heart rate to more than 50 percent of its maximum rate.

    Aerobic Exercise Benefits

    • Some examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skating, cross-country skiing and jumping rope. At the gym, machines such as the stationary bike, treadmill, elliptical trainer, stair stepper and rowing machine each provide an aerobic workout. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a weekly basis.

    Physical Benefits

    • Aerobic exercises provide several physical benefits, according to MayoClinic.com. This type of exercise burns calories at a fast rate, which is ideal if you wish to lose fat. Additional benefits of aerobic exercise include improving your endurance, strengthening your immune system, lessening your risk of developing serious health conditions, such as heart disease. Aerobic exercise can also reduce the symptoms of ongoing conditions, such as arthritis, strengthen your cardiovascular system and even potentially extend your lifespan.

    Mental Benefits

    • If you have a stressful day at work but feel better after a jog in the evening, it's not a coincidence. Aerobic exercise is an effective way to improve your mental health, according to MayoClinic.com. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that quickly improve your mood. MayoClinic.com also notes that the repetitive style of aerobic exercise helps clear your mind. For example, when you're concentrating on each stride of a run, you won't be thinking about your frustrating workday.