Aerobic Activity

Aerobic activity is any physical exercise that increases the heart rate and body intake of oxygen. This leads to enhanced fitness level. Swimming, walking, running and dancing are common aerobic activities. Aerobic dance set to music has gained in popularity over the years. What better way to stay in shape than to sway to the beat of the music! Health clubs introduced aerobic dancing routines that involved stretching, warm-up and relaxation exercises. This form of aerobic activity enhances flexibility and reestablishes homeostasis.

Swing to aerobic music and watch those calories burn away. Water aerobics is the coolest workout routine you can find. Aqua aerobic routine can help improve your stamina, endurance and cardio vascular fitness levels. The multidirectional resistance of water provides an excellent non-impact workout. Water aerobic benefits pregnant women, arthritis patients and even those suffering from osteoporosis.

Aerobic Metabolism

Aerobic metabolism is all the metabolic processes occurring within the body; using oxygen as a fuel. Food is broken down into its smaller components. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are utilized (in that order) to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). When this agent is used by body cells, huge amount of energy is released. Aerobic activity scores over anaerobic exercise in that it produces only carbon dioxide and water; which can be easily excreted from the body through breathing and sweating. Aerobic exercise offers plenty of benefits such as:

• Increased stamina
  
• Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar in check. Improves glucose tolerance and reduces insulin resistance
  
• Losing fat, when combined with a healthy diet
  
• Maintaining good cholesterol levels and keeping your arteries clog-free
  
• Aerobic exercise can reduce the chances of developing some cancers, diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
  
• Improved blood circulation and better heart health
  
• Improved muscle mass. Increased threshold for muscle fatigue.
  
• Increased number of red blood cells in the body, improving oxygen transportation.

With regular aerobic activity, your heart pumps more blood with each beat and gets stronger. It does not pump harder but instead works better! Better blood circulation translates to better oxygen to all cells in the body. This spurs the mitochondria into increased numbers and activity. The benefits are manifold:

• Better burning of calories
  
• Better weight loss
  
• Toned muscles and better posture
  
• Strong heart and lungs
  
• Reduced blood pressure. Reduces resting blood pressure (systolic and diastolic)
  
• Lowers resting heart rate
• Increased memory and brain function
  
• Better emotional stability
  

Aerobic metabolism strengthens the heart muscles leading to improved pumping efficiency and reduced resting heart rate. This is called aerobic conditioning. Anaerobic activity is characterized by short bursts of intense activity and exertion. Short distance running and strength training are examples of anaerobic activity. Aerobic exercises can become anaerobic exercises if performed at high intensity. When you are involved in aerobic activity, ensure that you are well hydrated. Be sure to include warm-ups and cool-downs to prevent injuries. Avoid high-intensity aerobic activity for an hour after eating. Stop your exercise session and contact a doctor if you experience chest discomfort, lightheadedness or dizziness. Check with your doctor if you suffer existing medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, or have muscle, bone or joint injuries.