Tuesday, December 1, 2009

What Is Aerobic (Cardiovascular) Exercise

Aerobic exercise is when the body uses oxygen while producing energy for physical activity. ‘Aerobic’ means 'with oxygen' aerobic metabolism occurs when the body breaks down fat by combining with oxygen. During intense aerobic exercise, the body uses more oxygen, and breathing and heart rate increase. Over time, regular aerobic exercise will improve a person’s health and fitness and reduce levels of body fat.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Aerobic exercise conditions the heart and lungs by increasing the oxygen available to the body and by enabling the heart to use oxygen more efficiently. Exercise alone cannot prevent or cure heart disease. It is only one factor in a total program of risk reduction; examples of other factors are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking and high cholesterol level.

Additional Benefits of Aerobic Exercise

In addition to cardiovascular benefits, other benefits of aerobic exercise include:

- Control of body fat. (Aerobic exercise in conjunction with strength training and a proper diet will reduce body fat.)
- Increased resistance to fatigue and extra energy.
- Toned muscles and increased lean body mass.
- Decreased tension and aid in sleeping.
- Increased general stamina.
- Psychological benefits - exercise improves mood, reduces depression and anxiety.

Avoid the Aerobic Curve.

The aerobic curve occurs when you begin exercising, increase your intensity level, hit the high point and gradually decrease your intensity level. The goal when exercising aerobically is to hit your target heart rate and maintain it for the entire exercise session. This works the heart muscle more effectively and burns more calories. Think of riding a bike, running or swimming - you start, hit your pace (or target zone), then you maintain your pace until the cool down. As your heart becomes conditioned, you will have to work harder to reach the target zone. Less conditioned athletes will reach their target zones quickly because their heart muscle isn't used to the workload.

Exercise Frequency

Cardiovascular fitness is an ongoing process and requires consistent reinforcement. To maintain your current level of fitness you should do aerobic exercise at least 3 times a week. To increase your level of fitness, try exercising 4 to 5 times per week.

Look back for for information on 'Training the cardiovascular system' here i will talk about the optimum heart rate and will give you a chance to find your best range to train aerobically

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