Aerobic exercise involves physical activity that increases your breathing and heart rate to fuel your body with oxygen-rich blood.
Learn the benefits of aerobic exercise, examples, and how to get started.
sturti / Getty Images
What Is Aerobic Exercise?
sturti / Getty Images
As you exercise, your muscles require increased oxygen to contract for a prolonged period.
Your breathing rate will also increase to bring more oxygen into the body and the bloodstream.
Regular cardiovascular exercise can:
Do cardio workouts help lose belly fat?
You essentially have the freedom to work out when you want to.
While it has its advantages, there may be distractions and it might be more challenging to stay motivated.
However, some drawbacks include membership fees and limited locations and hours.
Many people may also find the classes to be fun.
However, like the gym, there are costs to consider.
Additionally, there may be less flexibility and a lack of personalization.
Nonetheless, there are a variety of classes to choose from.
Cardio or aerobics classes may include:
How Much Aerobic Exercise Should You Do?
This allows the heart, lungs, and muscles to acclimate to the change in physical activity.
Other risks may includearrhythmias,heart attack,rhabdomyolysis,bronchoconstriction, andsudden cardiac death.
Aerobic exercise, also called cardio, involves physical activity performed over a prolonged period.
Aerobic exercise includes walking, hiking, running, dancing, bicycling, and playing sports.
When beginning or increasing your aerobic exercise, start slow and gradually increase over time.
But, first, ensure your healthcare provider clears you.
2019;140(11):e596-e646.
doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measuring physical activity intensity.
Peterson DM.The benefits and risks of aerobic exercise.UpToDate.
