Thursday, July 4, 2013

What Is Aerobics And Is It Safe For Women Over 50?

To answer the question What is aerobics? picture this ...
You're walking outdoors, you can talk but you sound a little breathless, you feel your heart pounding and the blood pulsing through your veins. You continue at this pace for 10 minutes or more. That's Aerobic exercise.

What is aerobics? It's is a way of conditioning your body that builds cardiovascular endurance. Being aerobically fit allows you to walk, run, bike, swim or do any activity that uses the large muscles of your body, for a prolonged period of time. 

What Is Aerobics? - A Little History, A Lot Of Variety

The Term Aerobics literally means with air or with oxygen.

Prior to the 1960's you may never have even heard the term, much less asked what is aerobics? Then in 1968 Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper wrote a book entitled Aerobics. From that point on aerobics was on it's way to becoming a household word.

You may have joined the craze by donning tights and doing dance moves to music at the gym or by running races. Neither of these appeal to you? Don't worry, there is so much more ...

Maybe you're more of an outdoor woman. Cycling, jogging, brisk walking, rowing or singles tennis could be your choices for an aerobic workout. And in the winter? Cross country skiing or skating can help keep you fit.

Like to socialize while you exercise? Today's gyms are filled with aerobics equipment. Treadmills, bikes, recumbent bikes, elliptical machines and stair climbers all fit the bill.

Prefer to exercise in the water? Take up swimming, join a class or learn an aerobic water exercise routine you can do on your own.

There are many types of aerobic exercise. Spend a little time exploring and you will surely find something you like that qualifies as an aerobic workout!

Your Body On Aerobics

So what is aerobics? ... It's one of the best ways to feel better and enjoy life to the fullest.

A mountain of scientific evidence backs up this claim. Want to drop a few pounds, lift your mood and energy or prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes? Regular aerobics has been shown to help.

How does this happen? What's occuring within your body as you exercise aerobically? ...
  • Your breath deepens and becomes quicker, increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood.
  • Your heart beats faster upping the blood flow to your muscles and lungs.
  • Your capillaries (small blood vessels) open, delivering more oxygen to your muscles and taking away more waste products.
  • Endorphins, your natural pain killers, are released giving you an increased sense of well-being.
And if you do aerobic exercise on a regular basis and your body adapts ...

Your heart becomes stronger and more efficient. Your heart rate decreases because a stronger heart is able to pump more blood with each beat.

Your muscles become more efficient at consuming oxygen.

Your mitochondria (little powerhouses within your muslces) increase in number. They use the oxygen to burn fat and carbohydrates. These are the fuels your body uses to move.

Performing regular aerobic exercise leaves you with a strong, fit heart and body. Your clothes fit better. You've got more energy and endurance, not to mention a better outlook on life. And your chance of being limited by heart disease, cancer and the many other diseases and conditions that plague older women has been decreased.

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