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Aerobic Exercise : Energy With Oxygen |
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The term "aerobic" means "with air" or "with oxygen". Aerobic exercise uses muscles in a rhythmical and continuous fashion. This promotes good blood flow throughout the body and delivers much needed oxygen to the working muscles.
Aerobic exercise increases the body's energy level. Aerobic exercise: - burns kilojoules
- lowers blood pressure
- improves the function of the heart and
- helps the body tolerate stress better
Fitness through regular aerobic exercise greatly reduces the risk of getting "lifestyle" diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and high blood pressure. Get moving if you want to be healthy, fit, and trim. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, hiking, swimming, jogging, bicycling, aerobic dancing, and cross country skiing. Almost any exercise can be aerobic and produce systemic benefits if it - lasts at least 20 minutes without stopping
- gets you breathing deeply but not out of breath and
- uses the muscles primarily in the legs
Aerobic exercise should be performed for a minimum of 20 minutes, three times a week at 60% of the maximum heart rate. Doing less than this will minimise your health benefits. Exercising 4 or more times a week will increase your health benefits. Check with your doctor before you start an exercise program. Choose activities that you enjoy and that are readily accessible. Article #7403 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
