Do You Know Exactly What is Aerobic Activity?Do we really know what is aerobic activity? We have frequently used the terms aerobic activity and aerobic exercise throughout this section of the site, but perhaps its meaning gets lost. The word is such a familiar one when we are talking about fitness, activity and exercise that perhaps it would help to have a definition of aerobic, a history of aerobic exercise and also to understand the difference between aerobic vs anaerobic exercise. Some simple definitions of aerobic are 'with oxygen, requiring oxygen or air, occurring in the presence of oxygen'Add exercise or activity to aerobic and a fuller definition is required! Aerobic activity/exercise is any exercise which "requires sustained increases in respiration, circulation, and muscle metabolism and leads to adaptations in the systems and muscles involved". (Fitness and Health, Brian Sharkey PhD) Aerobic fitness is how well your body can do this and is the most important indicator of your overall, all round health. Or, how well you can take oxygen from the atmosphere into the lungs, then into the blood, pump it through the heart and circulatory system to working muscles,where it is used to burn carbohydrate and fat to produce energy. Phew! Thats really something isn't it?
Anaerobic is the opposite of aerobic, that is it literally means without air or oxygen. Anaerobic activity is when the body demands exorbitant amounts of oxygen in a short time and the heart and lungs can't supply it. This could be running a short distance to catch a train or doing a 100 yard dash. They are over too quickly to have the effect desired, sometimes referred to as the 'training effect'. So now you know the difference between anaerobic and aerobic activities, you know exactly what is aerobic activity, and if you need reminding check out the benefits. In 1968 Dr Kenneth Cooper M.D.,M.P.H., published Aerobics whilst working for the US Air Force. It introduced a new word and a new concept to the world and started a fitness revolution that spread worldwide, asking the question "what is aerobic activity?' Dr Cooper was assigned to work for NASA to help astronauts achieve peak performance before and during space expeditions and it was his research into how exercise impacts on the body that ultimately led to his lifetime work in health and wellness.What is aerobic activity In the 1970's the hugely successful Jazzercise program was founded with an aerobics forming part of the routines, and now there are classes held around the world. In the 80's Jane Fonda's Workout Book became a best seller bringing her version of aerobic workouts into our lives. Her legacy lives on in the form of classes, books, audio and videos. Now we have freestyle aerobics, step aerobics, water aerobics and even aerobic gymnastics. All over the world, every single day there are millions of people taking some form of aerobic exercise or activity. Next time someone asks you 'what is aerobic activity?' you'll have all the answers! Back from What is Aerobic Activity to Healthy Lifestyle Success home page The Main Components of Physical Fitness - Determine Your True Overall Level of Fitness Benefits of Aerobic Activity - get your body in shape - inside and out! Best Aerobic Activities to Produce Lasting Changes in Your Body Make a Strength Training Routine Part of Your Fitness Program Flexibility and Fitness - To become more flexible and feel the benefits of it we need to stretch! How To Calculate Your BMI - Just Enter your Details, Its That Easy! What is Body Composition and Why Should You Care? Measuring Body Composition is Better Than Checking Your Weight How The Best Stretching Routines Can Improve your Health About Us |Contact Us|Privacy Policy | Healthy Lifestyle Blog |Site Map|Visitor Terms|Our Online Shop|Useful Resources|Build A Website  |
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I'm Tiffany - fifty something midlifer - 20 years experience! This site is packed with advice and information to help you get the most out of life by becoming, healthier, fitter, happier and ultimately taking you to a more satisfying future. C'mon, let's do it together!