Have you ever tried to run till your legs give up or have you ever jumped like a baby while others are watching you. If not, try these wonderful leisure activities. Performing these activities not only make you happy but also take care of your heart and circulatory system. These activities are popularly known as aerobic activity.
Let’s understand what is an aerobic activity or exercise?
When most people talk about aerobic exercise they visualize the aerobic classes conducted in various gyms that involves a rhythmical form of exercise.
Aerobic exercise also commonly known as ‘Cardio exercises’ in the gym lingo, are exercises that involve large muscles. Aerobic exercises are the most effective means to burn calories and lose weight. They are exercises of slow to medium intensity that increase your heart rate to a constant higher yet comfortable level. Most common aerobic exercises include walking, running, skipping, cycling, swimming and dance. Dance forms like Hip Hop, Latin, and Zumba are included under aerobic activity
Benefits of Aerobic exercise
Aerobic exercise is a good form of exercise for all age groups. It may make you feel tired in the short term, but helps to increase your stamina in the long run. Aerobic exercise activates your immune systems and hence protects your body from various diseases. Aerobic exercise is also known as a stress buster as performing these exercise regularly reduces depression and anxiety and promotes relaxation. Lastly, aerobic exercises helps you lose weight and keep it off.
Popular Aerobic exercises
Walking is the most commonly done aerobic activity that can be performed by any age group. It is the most easiest and inexpensive form of exercise and can be easily performed by overweight and people. Walking burns more calories and has less impact on the knees and joints than other high impact aerobic exercises.
A step ahead of walking is jogging or running. Running involves more muscle movement and more energy and hence it burns more calories than walking. Running falls under the high impact aerobic activity. Running can be made intense by running uphill or downhill.
However, for beginners running may be a little taxing, hence it is suggested that they start with low impact exercises like walking.
Cycling is one the most effective workout that is performed in major gyms. It is a low impact aerobic workout and can be incorporated by any age groups. If exercised in the proper technique or proper posture; it does not stress the hip, knees, joints or the back. Cycling can be performed as an outdoor as well as indoor activity.To intensify the activity cycle at a high speed or cycle uphill or downhill. Stationary cycles are a good form of aerobic exercise for all those who do not know how to ride a cycle.
For those who know swimming, it is one of the best aerobic exercises. It is an excellent form of exercise that involves the entire body workout. Due to the water buoyancy, it does not offer much stress on the joints making it an ideal workout for the elderly and arthritic patients. Swimming is a good aerobic exercise that helps in weight reduction as well as toning and strengthening of the muscles.
Skipping is another good aerobic exercise that requires just a skipping rope. Skipping carries a very low risk of injury as it is low impact exercise compared to running. It has continuous movements, which burns more calories. Skipping helps in toning the thighs, calves and hips.
If you are ready to begin with exercising, start with a low impact aerobic exercise. Perform all the exercises in a constant rhythmic pace and do not try to force the pace as this may lead to injury. Always listen to your body and never over exert yourself as this may be more harmful than beneficial. If you have any ailment or condition that limits your participation in the aerobic activity, contact your physician at the earliest.
If you make exercise as a fun thing to do rather than a routine you will be able to make the best of the fitness regime.
