The Best 8 Aerobic Exercises
December 3, 2010
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When most people think of aerobic exercise they think
of the classes called aerobics that involves a rhythmical routine that is
taught at the gym. Although this is definitely aerobic exercise there are many
other aerobic exercises that should be mentioned when considering any exercise
routine. Aerobic exercise is any exercise that uses oxygen as fuel to sustain
activity. Aerobic exercise elevates the heart rate, increases circulation and
usually lasts for an extended period of time. Aerobic exercises can be done
indoors or outdoors depending upon the specific exercise. Some indoor aerobic
activities include stair climbing, elliptical, indoor rower, stair master,
stationary bike, treadmill, housework and aerobic classes. Outdoor activities
include skiing, cycling, skating, jogging, walking, football, and rugby. Some
exercises such as kickboxing, jump roping and swimming can be done in or
outdoors. Aerobic exercises can be differentiated into low and high impact
activities. Low impact includes walking, swimming and stair climbing where as
high impact include running, football, tennis and dance. Here you can find the
eight top aerobic exercises to try out.

Walking
One of the easiest, most inexpensive
exercises available for anyone to do. Walking requires no equipment and can be
done anywhere. Pace is determined by the exerciser but can be low to moderate.
Walking burns more calories the longer you walk and has less impact on the
knees and joints than high impact aerobics.

Jogging/Running
A step up from walking, running
increases the calories you burn because it involves more energy and muscle
movement. Even though it takes less time to run, you will burn more calories
the farther the distance you run. Running is based on the exercisers ability to
complete this activity. For beginners start off walking and build your way up
to running.

Aerobic classes
Aerobic classes are offered at the
gym, and community centers in your area. A choreographed routine is taught to
participants and is usually rhythmic in nature. The objectives of these classes
are to sweat, burn calories and tone muscles. Not all routines require
equipment but if it is the gym usually supplies it. Home versions of aerobics
are available on DVD and require equipment to be purchased ahead of time.
Step Aerobics
This is usually an alternative to
regular aerobics classes that involves the use of a step, bench or stairs.
Popular in gym settings, step aerobics involves a choreographed exercise
routine that requires the participants to step up and down on a exercise bench
that is 1 foot to 3 feet tall and 3 feet long. The routine is normally lively
and energetic to motivate participants to continue through the routine. This
increases muscle tone in the legs.

Water Aerobics
Water aerobics uses the resistance of
the water to elevate heart rate, and improve balance. Moves are often both
water and land exercises. Most often offered to older aged individuals to
improve balance and stability that has been lost with age.
Swimming
One of the most beneficial exercises that
you don’t even realize. It is hard to tell how hard you are working when you
are in water, however the resistance of the water on the body as you are
swimming requires additional energy and ability from the body therefore burning
more calories.
Cycling/Bicycling
Because you are on a machine this
exercise is non weight bearing which doesn’t impact your joints the same way
other aerobic exercises do. However, cycling does require constant and
continuous movement which builds muscle endurance, strength and flexibility
while burning calories.

Jump Rope
Although, typically used when you are a
child, the jump rope is coming back as one of the exercises that adults should
continue to use. It has continuous movement, which burns calories, and the exerciser
can set their own pace.