Resulting in an increase in the amount of oxygen that the body can process, aerobic exercise describe various types of regular exercises which stimulate heart and lung activity to a degree that promotes beneficial changes in the body. The most popular forms of aerobic exercise are jogging, running, walking, cycling and swimming.
Since the mid-1970s forms of aerobic exercise have largely dominated personal physical fitness programs. A large part of the wide interest in aerobics arose from the publication of 'The New Aerobics' by an American physician, Kenneth H Cooper. The book describes the benefits of aerobic exercise, how to gauge present level of fitness, what exercise goals are appropriate according to fitness and age, how to commence and develop training and how to maintain the desired standard. The format described by Cooper is the official exercise program of the United States Air Force and Navy and for the Royal Canadian air Force.
Heavy smokers, heart disease patients, chronically ill or overweight persons should begin an aerobic exercise program with a walking routine, for several weeks at least, before progressing to more strenuous forms of aerobatics. It is recommended that such persons should get a detailed medical checkup before starting any aerobic exercise.
Any person who is unfit or suffers from a major and persistent health problem will probably have impaired aerobic capacity. Some such people have embarked on aerobic programs with the idea of getting fit quickly. This has invariably been to their detriment and a few such joggers have had fatal heart attacks as a result of trying to do too much too soon. Over-training can also produce stiff muscles, sore feet and dehydration, which in turn will discourage the person from continuing. Some soreness and tiredness is inevitable, but if it is overwhelming it can be an indication of attempting too much.
Most men and women embark on an aerobic program will find it encouraging and stimulating to do so with a family member or friend, or as part of a group. Jogging and swimming clubs as well as cycling groups usually have a medical or training supervisor who can check progress and perhaps spot potential problems. Alternatively the lone enthusiast could purchase a manual containing a medically verified program. Choice of an aerobics from the many forms available depends upon present fitness level or ill health, time available, location and personal preference. However once started the aerobic exercise should continue uninterrupted to gain maximum advantages.
