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learn about aerobics

Aerobics is a system of exercises designed to improve cardiovascular conditioning. A regular program of aerobics can improve the body’s ability to absorb oxygen efficiently. Aerobics can significantly increase energy and improve endurance and strength. To obtain the maximum benefit, aerobic exercise should be performed three to five times a week, for 15 minutes to one hour.

The health benefits of aerobics exercising are bountiful. People who regularly attend classes can improve their cardiovascular health, reduce their body fat, increase their flexibility, and strengthen their muscles. Other benefits include an increased level of energy throughout the day, a strengthening of bones, and improved posture. Regular aerobics exercise can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promote a lower level of stress.

There are many types of group fitness programs. Classes are usually held in an indoor, mirrored room at a fitness facility. An instructor organizes and leads each class. The instructor faces the class or the mirror and leads a routine, which is a specific series of exercise movements synchronized to music. Most classes last one hour and consist of four components. The basic class begins with the warm-up, when people slowly start to exercise. The warm up is intended for muscular and mental preparation, set to music generally in the slow to medium tempo range. After the class has warmed up, they move into more intense cardiovascular exercise, increasing the heart rate by performing a variety of movements including knee lifts and lunges.

In the strengthening portion of the workout, people may use hand-held weights and heavy elastic tubing to tone muscles of the upper and lower body. Sit-ups may be included during this part of the class as well. People then gradually cool down by moving at a slower pace, thus returning the heart to a resting pulse rate; they also stretch out the muscles used during the workout.

Students follow the routine by imitating the instructor’s movements. As students become familiar with a routine, the instructor can direct the class verbally, shouting out the name of specific movements and exercises. To maintain a workout of high intensity, instructors usually choose popular music with an upbeat tempo. Students enjoy listening to the music, especially during difficult portions of the workout, and the tempo keeps them exercising at a rapid rate. The style of music used for exercising varies greatly, and a good instructor will choose the most suitable style of music to enthuse and motivate each class. House music, techno, club, disco, r&b, soca, and salsa are just some of the universal styles used today. The music is usually mixed to flow evenly from one song to the next. Seniors may desire a short pause between songs. One major factor in aerobics music is tempo, or the speed of the music, which is measured by beats per minute. Some instructors and students like a consistent tempo from the starting line (the beginning of the workout) to the end of the workout. Others prefer the tempo to increase from song to song. Instructors will sometimes include another strengthening portion which uses body weight exercises to strengthen muscles using additional equipment such as aerobic steps and small weights.

Beats per minute, or bpm's, are a very important factor in aerobics.

If you are not an aerobics enthusiast, but you love to dance to a good groove, then you can still reap some of the benefits of an aerobics workout. After all, dancing is one of the oldest and easiest forms of exercise. Playing your favorite records or CD's and "cutting the rug" for 15 or 20 minutes can be enjoyable and healthy for the mind, body, and soul.

Aqua aerobics has gained popularity in recent years especially among seniors and people needing physical therapy.