Fitness basics (19)
- Fitness training: 5 elements of a rounded routine
- Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
- Hot-weather exercise: How to keep cool
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Stretching and flexibility (2)
- Stretching: Focus on flexibility
- How fit are you? See how you measure up
Aerobic exercise (12)
- How to start a walking group
- Aerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool down
- How fit are you? See how you measure up
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Strength training (8)
- Weight training: Do's and don'ts of proper technique
- Core exercises: 7 reasons to strengthen your core muscles
- Weight training: Improve your muscular fitness
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Sports nutrition (3)
- Performance-enhancing drugs: Are they a risk to your health?
- Eating and exercise: Time it right to maximize your workout
- Water: How much should you drink every day?
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Aerobic exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical
Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for you. See why — then prepare yourself to get moving!
By Mayo Clinic staffAt least 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity — such as walking, bicycling or swimming — can help you live longer and healthier. See how aerobic exercise affects your heart, lungs and blood flow. Then get motivated to reap the rewards!
How your body responds to aerobic exercise
During aerobic activity, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. You'll notice your body's responses quickly.
You'll breathe faster and more deeply. This maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart will beat faster, which increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs. Your small blood vessels (capillaries) will widen to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Your body will even release endorphins, natural painkillers that promote an increased sense of well-being.
Next page(1 of 2)
- Peterson DM. Overview of the benefits and risks of exercise. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
- 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/paguide.pdf. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
- Physical activity and health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/index.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
