Aerobic fitness
Aerobic exercise I am often asked to explain the term aerobic exercise. The word aerobic literally means "with oxygen", but is used as an adjective to identify exercise. Aerobic exercise is exercise that is sustained vigorous exertion which if performed regularly will keep your heart and lungs in good conditions. Aerobic exercises burn fat faster than any other type of exercise. Aerobics is a type of physical exercise that integrates rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the objective of improving all elements of fitness (see my Fitness information page). It is often performed to music by a group of people directed by an instructor.
Vigorous exercise, such as cycling, jogging and swimming are all aerobic. More scientifically, "aerobics" points to the efficacy of oxygen as it is used by the body during prolonged exercise.
It was Dr Kenneth H. Cooper (an air force physician and former track runner) who in 1968 changed the world of exercise when he published a book entitled "Aerobics," coining a term that had been little used in modern parlance before. In many ways, this publication started a craze which got people exercising in droves.
The exercise regimens were simple to start and easy to follow. Aerobics had to be exercises that would pressure the body to elevate its oxygen intake; consequently, the exercises had to be continuous and at the same time rhythmic to avoid peaks and troughs in oxygen consumption. All the large muscle groups are used, increasing the work that the heart and lungs carry out.
Reference
Cooper, Kenneth H. (January 1969) [1968]. Aerobics. 14490 (revised ed.). Bantam Books. ISBN 978-0-553-14490-1.
