Aerobic Exercises Workout
What is Aerobic Exercise?
Aerobic (cardio) exercise is any rhythmic
exercise activity that uses large muscle groups and which can be maintained
continuously. The word aerobic means with oxygen, so it
only refers to physical activities that need oxygen to be delivered to
the muscles,
via the lungs and blood supply - that is, activities that are sustained
for a period of time, rather than short bursts of effort (eg. lifting
weights) that don't rely on oxygen for fuel. Compare Anaerobic
Exercise. Aerobic training is often called cardio exercise because
it strengthens the cardiovascular (heart) and respiratory (lungs) systems.
Types of Aerobic Exercise
Examples of aerobic training include: walking,
jogging, running, biking, swimming, skipping/jumping rope, stair-climbing,
inline skating/roller-blading, elliptical-training and rowing.
Intensity of Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic training can be low-impact or high-impact,
according to its intensity level..
What is Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise?
Low-impact training involves aerobic movements
during which at least one foot remains in contact with the ground at all
times. Low impact exercise leads to fewer injuries from muscle strain/overuse,
and is recommended for people whose physical condition requires a lighter
type of aerobic workout, like pregnant or nursing women, anyone in fitness
rehabilitation, anyone suffering from obesity and seniors. Low-impact
workouts include: walking, biking, swimming, step-exercise, rowing.
What is High-Impact Aerobic Exercise?
High-impact training involves aerobic movements
(eg. jumping, hopping) during which both feet lose contact with the ground.
Although it provides greater cardiovascular benefits, and is useful for
extra calorie-burning, muscle-strengthening/toning and bone strength,
high-impact aerobic exercise carries a greater risk of muscle and joint
injury, especially in the lower-body (groin, knee, ankle etc.).
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