What Is Aerobic Exercise, and How Does It Benefit Overall Health?

Question

I have been trying to improve my fitness and stamina, and I keep hearing that aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to boost heart health and burn fat. I want to understand what exactly aerobic exercise is, how it differs from strength training, and what benefits it offers. Some people say that only running and cycling count as aerobic exercise, but I am unsure whether activities like dancing or swimming are just as effective.

Aerobic exercise involves continuous, rhythmic movements that increase heart rate and oxygen consumption, improving cardiovascular endurance, lung capacity, and overall metabolism. Common examples include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing. Many fitness experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week to maintain a healthy heart. However, I want to know whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than steady-state aerobic workouts.

For those who focus on aerobic fitness, what exercises helped the most in improving endurance, burning fat, and increasing energy levels?

Would love insights into how to build a sustainable aerobic routine and whether age affects aerobic performance.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, physical fitness is seen as an important way to balance the body’s energies and maintain overall health. Aerobic exercise is a form of exercise that involves continuous and rhythmic movements, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing, which elevate the heart rate and improve cardiovascular endurance, lung capacity, and metabolism. Unlike strength training, which focuses on building muscle mass and strength, aerobic exercise primarily targets cardiovascular health and fat burning by improving the efficiency of the heart and lungs in delivering oxygen to the body. Activities like swimming and dancing are just as effective as running and cycling, as long as they keep the heart rate elevated and are performed for sustained periods. Aerobic exercise helps to burn fat, increase stamina, and improve energy levels. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also be an effective alternative to steady-state aerobic workouts because it incorporates bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or lower intensity, often leading to increased fat burning in less time. When building a sustainable aerobic routine, consistency is key—aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, and gradually increase intensity or duration as stamina improves. Age can affect aerobic performance, as the body may naturally experience a decline in cardiovascular fitness with age, but regular aerobic exercise can help maintain or even improve cardiovascular health and stamina at any age. The key is to find activities you enjoy and can maintain over the long term, tailoring intensity to your fitness level.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Aerobic exercise is any continuous, rhythmic activity that raises the heart rate and boosts oxygen consumption, leading to improved cardiovascular health, lung function, and fat burning. It includes activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, and even group fitness classes. These exercises help build endurance, manage weight, and increase energy levels.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a more intense form of aerobic exercise that alternates between short bursts of high effort and recovery periods. Many studies show that HIIT can be more efficient for burning fat and improving endurance than steady-state cardio, but it may be more taxing on the body.

Age can affect aerobic performance as metabolism slows and muscle mass decreases, but staying active can help maintain fitness levels.

What Is Aerobic Exercise, and How Does It Benefit Overall Health? - #14549

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews