Aerobics

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The Advantages of Aerobics explained

Swindon people may be a breed apart, but we are all very different from each other - just people watching in the Brunel Centre is proof of that. So before you rush out and sign up for the first exercise class you see, please read on and get a feel of the many options open to you.

What is aerobic exercise?

Don't confuse aerobic exercise with 'aerobics classes' because it's not all Jane Fonda workouts, leg warmers and being made to perform life threatening sit-ups by a fitness instructor too fit for their own good.

The term aerobic means "with oxygen". During an aerobic workout, the cardiovascular system (which includes the heart, lungs, and blood vessels), responds to increased levels of physical activity by increasing the oxygen that is available to the body.

Aerobic activity involves an exercise routine that uses large muscle groups, is maintained for a sustained period of time and is rhythmic in nature. Regular aerobic exercise improves your level of fitness as your heart becomes stronger and begins to work more efficiently.

The end result is that the heart can pump more blood (thus increasing oxygen delivery to the tissues) with each heartbeat. As your aerobic fitness increases you will be able to workout longer, with greater intensity, and you will recover more quickly at the end of your workout session. What are some examples of aerobic exercise?

There are numerous activities that can provide an aerobic workout. Some examples include bike riding, jogging, running, swimming, brisk walking and dancing. In addition to these activities, an aerobic workout can be achieved in a specially designed aerobic dance class or by using exercise machines (stationary bikes, treadmills, stair-steppers, rowing machines, just to name a few) that can be found at a local gym or health club.

Who can participate in aerobic exercise?

Almost everyone can participate in some type of aerobic exercise. Since each type of aerobic exercise can be modified to varying intensity levels, people with different fitness goals, levels of physical conditioning and injury/illness history can participate.

SwindonWeb strongly advises that everyone consult a doctor before beginning any exercise programme. This is particularly important if you are aged over forty or have a known history of heart disease, high blood pressure or other cardiovascular disorder.

Aerobic exercise has proven beneficial for people with a variety of medical disorders like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, anxiety, and premenstrual syndrome.

What are the added benefits of aerobic exercise?

Studies have shown repeatedly that there are numerous health benefits to aerobic exercise. In addition to the benefits to the cardiovascular system, aerobic exercise can:

Increase resistance to tiredness and give you more energy. Aerobic exercise can add life to your years along with years to your life.
Improve your mood, reduce depression and anxiety. Positive mood changes have been noted after as little as two to three weeks of aerobic exercise.
Improve the quality of your sleep. Studies show that people who exercise regularly get to sleep quicker and report more restful sleep patterns. It is best to complete your aerobic exercise routine one to two hours before your regular bedtime since it takes a little time for the general emotional and physical relaxation to set in after a workout.
Increase the good (HDL) cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is known to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Help to control and reduce body fat. Aerobic exercise in conjunction with proper diet can decrease body fat.
Reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Aerobic exercise has been associated with a reduction in the incidence of colon cancer in both males and females and the incidence of breast and reproductive organ cancers in women.

Cardiovascular Exercises:

There are many forms of aerobic exercise available to you that work the cardiovascular system. To prove our dedication, one of our overweight employees at SwindonWeb acted as a guinea pig and checked-out the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Aerobics Class
Advantages - many different types and fitness level classes for young and old, beginner and advanced. Fun way to burn lots of calories.
Disadvantages - you must conform to someone else's schedule continually, stress on joints for more advanced classes.
Aqua Aerobics/Swimming
Advantages - works all major muscle groups without the stress on your muscles and joints.
Disadvantages - you need a pool, lifeguard, and great shampoo, and it doesn't give you the bone strengthening that normal weight bearing exercise gives you.
Walking
Advantages - provides excellent health benefits without the stress on the joints that comes with other forms of cardio.
Disadvantages - even though you can increase the intensity by increasing speed or walking uphill, etc., you have to walk twice as long as someone jogging to burn the same amount of calories and get similar benefit.
Jogging/Running
Advantages - you can burn calories faster than walking and get a great cardiovascular workout.
Disadvantages - can be very stressful on your joints and cause serious orthopedic problems for certain people.

Zumba

Zumba is essentially a combination of Latin-inspired music with energetic dance in an effort to make aerobic exercise fun.

> Zumba in Swindon

Most fitness clubs/gyms in Swindon hold Aerobics classes on a 'pay-as-you-go' scheme.

> Aerobics Classes in Swindon

SwindonWeb strongly recommends that anyone contemplating a programme of physical exercise consult their doctor before beginning the programme.

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