| Aerobics is a moderate-intensity workout | | | | apart from the will to do, is a good pair of |
| program that makes the body use stored fat as | | | | shoes. Walking 30-40 minutes 3-5 times a week |
| a fuel rather than glucose - the sole source | | | | is ideal. Some indoor low-impact aerobic |
| of energy for the brain. Fat, like a log of | | | | exercises include walking on the treadmill, |
| wood, is a slow but long-lasting fuel, | | | | cycling on a stationary bike, swimming, etc. |
| whereas glucose, like a kindling wood, gives | | | | |
| quick energy in short spurts. And because fat | | | | Fit people can take to high-impact aerobic |
| metabolism requires oxygen, aerobic exercises | | | | exercises like jogging, skipping a rope, mock |
| - which are meant to raise the oxygen | | | | skipping, jumping jacks, stair climbing, |
| requirement in the body - are perfect for | | | | skiing, etc. |
| going from fat to fit. | | | | |
| | | | Making Aerobics a Fun Activity |
| However, for some reason the ability of | | | | |
| metabolizing stored fat for energy purposes | | | | If you enjoy exercising in a group and want |
| decrease as the fitness level of a person | | | | to make it a social activity, then you can |
| decreases. As a result, the muscles of an | | | | join aerobics classes. These exercises often |
| out-of-shape person start burning glucose | | | | consist of low-impact dance steps and |
| instead of fat, making him feel fatigued and | | | | rhythmic movements accompanied by stimulating |
| hungry after slightest activity. | | | | music and an instructor. Aerobics done |
| | | | underwater, aqua-aerobics, have still lower |
| Why Aerobics? | | | | impact than floor aerobics. |
| | | | |
| Aerobic exercises swing the body back into | | | | Aerobic exercises can be done outdoors as |
| the fat-burning mode and program the body to | | | | well as indoor in the privacy of your home |
| burn fat for fuel even when you are not | | | | with minimal investment. And you can easily |
| exercising. This helps in making the muscles | | | | fit a 30-minute aerobic program in your |
| lean, improves the strength of the heart | | | | agenda. For example, cycling on your |
| muscles, and reduces blood pressure. Because | | | | stationary bike while watching your favorite |
| aerobic exercises are moderate-intensity, | | | | TV show, mock skipping during the short |
| anyone can benefit from them, including | | | | breaks in work, walking to the marketplace, |
| out-of-shape people, the elderly, children, | | | | etc. Use your creativity and improvise your |
| and even pregnant women. | | | | own methods of making your workouts more |
| | | | enjoyable and less monotonous, so that |
| Which Exercises are Aerobic? | | | | aerobics becomes an indispensable part of |
| | | | your life. |
| Any physical activity that raises your heart | | | | |
| level to 60-70% of the maximum heart rate for | | | | Summary: |
| a sustained period of 20-30 minutes can be | | | | |
| classified as aerobics. If an exercise is | | | | Aerobic exercising is the best way to lose |
| making you feel out of breath, it means you | | | | fat permanently, and strengthen your heart |
| are pushing your heart beyond the permitted | | | | muscles. They change the body metabolism and |
| optimum heart rate. This should not happen. | | | | switch it into fat-burning mode. Aerobic |
| | | | exercises are moderate-intensity and can be |
| The best aerobic exercise for beginners is | | | | done by almost anyone, including the elderly |
| brisk walking. And all you need to do that, | | | | and even pregnant women. |