Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness. – Earl of Derby
Aerobic exercise is any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature. It is a type of exercise that overloads the heart and lungs and causes them to work harder than at rest. The benefits of aerobic exercise can be yours today if you simply get up and get moving – life is in motion!
We should all try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. A lot of things count as physical activity – try walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, dancing… whatever you enjoy. In general, the more activity, the better.
Specific benefits of aerobic exercise include:
- Increased ability to handle stress; a better attitude; emotional lift
- Increased aerobic threshold and oxygen pickup in the lungs; easier to do more exercise
- Increased fat burning enzymes; fat deposits are encouraged to release fatty acids
- Increased glycogen storage; reduced conversion of sugar to fat; reduced incidence of hypoglycemia
- Increased hemoglobin levels; decreased blood triglycerides; improved high density blood cholesterol levels
- Increased muscle mass; improved bone calcium levels and strength
- Increased stroke volume of heart; decreased blood pressure; decreased load on the heart; decreased resting pulse rate
- Improved handling of excess heat and resistance to cold
- More calories and fat burned (even while at rest!); decreased body fat; better hunger control
- Decreased insulin requirement; decreased muscle dependence on sugar
- Lower chance of senility – increased oxygen delivery to brain
With all of these benefits, and more activities than ever to choose from, everyone should find one or more things that keep their heart rate elevated for a continuous time period and get moving to a healthier life.
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