| Aerobics means with oxygen, and aerobic fitness | | | | Reaching a target heart rate is key to benefiting the |
| consists of physical exercise, strength training and | | | | most from aerobics. Using the age method, age is |
| stretching. The American College of Sports Medicine | | | | taken away from 220, then that number is multiplied |
| recommends at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of | | | | by 0.7. The American Heart Association recommends |
| moderately intense physical activity a day. Aerobic | | | | a target heart rate range of between 50% and 75%. |
| exercise has many health benefits besides weight | | | | Because people exercise at different fitness levels, |
| management. | | | | this method may not be completely accurate but it |
| Exercise causes the heart to pump more efficiently, | | | | does give a number to work toward. |
| making it stronger. It reduces the systemic | | | | Dr. Kenneth Cooper is the physician who brought |
| inflammation and decreases the chance of developing | | | | aerobic exercise to the forefront in the nineteen |
| heart disease. Exercise also helps to increase good | | | | sixties when he noticed that people were not putting |
| cholesterol and decrease bad cholesterol. The effects | | | | enough physical activity into their lives. He authored |
| exercise has on the heart can control blood pressure | | | | the book Aerobics in 1968, outlining his exercise |
| and contributes to a healthier life, better weight | | | | routines such as swimming, bicycling, walking and |
| management and a sense of well being. | | | | running. |
| Another benefit of exercise in people with Type 2 | | | | Immediately following Dr. Coopers book, a woman |
| diabetes is that it makes the efficiency of the body | | | | named Jackie Sorenson developed aerobic dance. |
| better by increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin. In | | | | Aerobic dance consisted of a series of dance |
| addition, more glucose is produced and pressed out | | | | routines, done to music, where by improving |
| of the blood stream. The blood will enter the cells | | | | cardiovascular fitness. |
| and decrease the amount of glucose in the blood. By | | | | Sportaerobics was introduced in 1983 by Howard and |
| allowing glucose to metabolize in the body and letting | | | | Karen Schwartz. The first national aerobic |
| normal blood sugar levels be maintained, aerobic | | | | championship was held in 1984 and by the year 2002, |
| exercise minimizes the risk of developing diabetes. | | | | the competition included six athletes performing a 1 |
| Reducing the risk of obesity makes exercise another | | | | minute and 45 second rhythmic routine. Scores were |
| benefit by controlling calories, decreasing body fat all | | | | based on artistic and technical merit. By 1996 |
| while improving lean muscle, strength and flexibility. | | | | gymnastique discipline had replaced the name |
| Aerobic activity increases endorphins, making life a | | | | sportaerobics. |
| happier experience, it prevents certain cancers, | | | | Including aerobic activity into a daily routine, will lead |
| improves sleep, increases energy and mood, and | | | | to a longer, happier, and healthier life. |
| lessens feelings of depression, stress and anxiety. | | | | |