Though most people associate the word aerobics with a set of exercises in fitness classes, the word actually describes a physiological state of your body.

Aerobic fitness refers to a comfortable level of physical activity that can burn body fat. Aerobic levels of activity help to produce energy from the oxidation of fat and carbohydrates (metabolism). When a person increases their activity level they move into anaerobic levels of activity where the body is using energy faster than it is being produced aerobically. At the anaerobic threshold of activity, the body rapidly metabolizes or converts energy into lactic acid. High levels of lactic acid interfere with muscle contraction and metabolism (fat burning) capability. High levels of carbon dioxide are produced during anaerobic exercise and these cause you to feel fatigued and breathe heavily.

During the aerobic level of activity your body burns 38 molecules of ATP (energy) compared to only 2 molecules burned during anaerobic levels. Although fatigue and exhaustion are aspects of training hard, they are a short term pain for long term gain.

Aerobic Benefits

Many people who are involved in aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, jogging report that they feel more energetic and healthy.

Music, companionship and safety are additional benefits of aerobics exercise classes which have been very popular during the last two decades. Aerobics helps to improve the range of motion of all muscle groups, tones muscles, and increases fitness levels that can also maximize weight loss. Low impact aerobics allows maximum fitness levels and weight loss yet minimizes the possibility of injury and discomfort which stop a person from consistently exercising.