What is aerobic exercise?


Aerobic exercise is a type of exercise in which muscles combine oxygen, fats and glucose from the blood into adenosine triphosphate which is used as fuel. The alternative to aerobic exercise is anaerobic exercise, in which the muscles convert immediately available sugars into energy.

Though it does not provide the immediate burst of energy that anaerobic exercise does, aerobic exercise is sustainable for long periods of time - making it the prefered means for people to improve cardiovascular health. Examples of aerobics exercises include jogging, walking, jumping, cycling and swimming.

Aerobic exercise provides the following benefits:

  • Relatively high caloric burn while exercising
  • Improves cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart
  • Increasing the metabolism
  • Instills a sense of wellbeing

The term “aerobics” was coined by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, M.D. in the late 1960s.