Aerobics: 30 Minutes To A Healthier Life by Andy Guides Jr

The definition of aerobics is with oxygen. Aerobic exercise is a combination of physical exercise, strength training and stretching. It is recommended that individuals get between 30 minutes to 1 hour of aerobic activity a day.

Not only is aerobic activity important in controlling body weight, there are an abundant health benefits that come with exercise.

Exercise reduces the systemic inflammation that can lead to the development of heart disease. In addition, exercise helps to increase good cholesterol while decreasing bad. It also makes the heart pump more efficiently, thus becoming stronger. Having a stronger heart allows for a healthier lifestyle, controls weight, and leads to a sense of well-being. Theses changes can help control blood pressure levels.

Diabetes is another disease that can be controlled through exercise. By allowing glucose to metabolize in the body, normal blood sugar levels are maintained. For people with Type 2 diabetes, physical activity raises tissue sensitivity to insulin, and produces more glucose to be released from the blood stream and into cells, decreasing glucose in the blood.

Incorporating exercise into a daily routing reduces obesity by controlling weight, helps to reduce and control body fat, and improves body muscle strength and flexibility.

Aerobic activity increases endorphins, making life a happier experience, it prevents certain cancers, improves sleep, increases energy and mood, and lessens feelings of depression, stress and anxiety.

In order to get the most benefits out of aerobic exercise, it is important to get the heart within target heart range. This is done by the calculated age method. Starting with the number 220, age is subtracted and that number is multiplied by 70 percent. Although this method is not totally accurate since people are at different levels of fitness ability, it does give a safe starting point. The American Heart Association recommends a range between 50 percent and 75 percent of maximum heart rate. Exercising at a target heart rate is the best way to get the most out of daily exercise and reap its benefits.

Aerobics came about when a physician named Dr. Kenneth Cooper developed a series of exercises used to prevent coronary artery disease. Dr. Cooper authored a book in 1968 called Aerobics, that detailed his exercises which included running, swimming, bicycling and walking.

Immediately following Dr. Coopers book, a woman named Jackie Sorenson developed aerobic dance. Aerobic dance consisted of a series of dance routines, done to music, where by improving cardiovascular fitness.

Sportaerobics was introduced in 1983 by Howard and Karen Schwartz. The first national aerobic championship was held in 1984 and by the year 2002, the competition included six athletes performing a 1 minute and 45 second rhythmic routine. Scores were based on artistic and technical merit. By 1996 gymnastique discipline had replaced the name sportaerobics.

Including aerobic activity into a daily routine, will lead to a longer, happier, and healthier life.