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An effective aerobic exercise should involve 5-10 minutes of warming up at an intensity of 50-60% of maximum Heart Rate , followed by at least 20 minutes of exercise at an intensity of 70-80% of maximum heart rate, ending with 5-10 minutes of cooling down at an intensity of 50-60% of maximum heart rate. HISTORY Both the term and the exercise method were developed by Kenneth H. Cooper , M.D., an exercise physiologist of the U.S. Air Force . Dr. Cooper, an avowed exercise enthusiast, was personally and professionally puzzled about why some people with excellent muscular strength were still prone to poor performance at tasks such as long-distance running, swimming, and bicycling. He began measuring systematic human performance using a Bicycle Ergometer , and began measuring sustained performance in terms of the ability to utilize oxygen. His groundbreaking book, ''Aerobics'', was published in 1968, and included scientific exercise programs using running, walking, swimming and bicycling. The book came at a fortuitous historical moment, when increasing weakness and inactivity in the general population was causing a perceived need for increased exercise. It became a best seller. Cooper's data provided the scientific baseline for almost all modern aerobics programs, most of which are based on oxygen-consumption equivalency. AEROBIC VERSUS ANAEROBIC EXERCISE Aerobic exercise and fitness can be contrasted with Anaerobic Exercise , of which Strength Training and Weight Training are the most salient examples. The two types of exercise differ by the duration and intensity of muscular contractions involved, as well as by how energy is generated within the muscle. Initially during aerobic exercise, Glycogen is broken down to produce glucose, but in its absence, Fat metabolism is initiated instead. The latter is a slow Process , and is accompanied by a decline in performance level. The switch to fat as fuel is a major cause of what Marathon runners call "hitting the wall". Anaerobic Exercise , in contrast, refers to the initial phase of exercise, or any short burst of intense exertion, in which the glycogen or sugar is consumed without oxygen, and is a far less efficient process. Operating anaerobically, an untrained 400 meter sprinter may "hit the wall" short of the full distance. There are various types of aerobic exercise. In general, aerobic exercise is one performed at a low to moderate level of intensity over a long period of time. For example, Running a long distance at a moderate pace is an aerobic exercise, but Sprinting is not. Playing singles tennis, with near-continuous motion, is generally considered aerobic activity, while golf or doubles tennis, with their more frequent breaks, may not be. Among the recognized benefits of doing regular aerobic exercise are:
As a result, aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular problems. In addition, high-impact aerobic activities (such as jogging or jumping rope) can stimulate bone growth, as well as reducing the risk of Osteoporosis for both men and women. In addition to the health benefits of aerobic exercise, there are numerous performance benefits:
AEROBIC EXERCISE VERSUS AEROBICS " and Pre-choreographed aerobics. AEROBIC CAPACITY 'Aerobic capacity' describes the functional status of the cardiorespiratory system, (the heart, lungs and blood vessels). Aerobic capacity is defined as the maximum volume of oxygen that can be consumed by one's muscles during exercise. It is a function both of one's cardiorespiratory performance and of the ability of the muscles to extract the oxygen and fuel delivered to them. To measure maximal aerobic capacity, an exercise physiologist or physician will perform a VO2 Max test, in which a subject will undergo progressively more strenuous exercise on a treadmill, from an easy Walk through to exhaustion. The individual is typically hooked up to a Respirometer to measure oxygen, and the speed is increased incrementally over a fixed duration of time. The higher a cardiorespiratory endurance level, the more oxygen transported to exercising muscles, the longer exercise can be maintained without exhaustion and accordingly the faster they are able to run. The higher aerobic capacity, the higher the level of aerobic fitness. The Cooper and Multi-stage Fitness Test s can also be used to functionally assess aerobic capacity. In most people, aerobic capacity can be improved through a variety of means, including Fartlek training. |
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