Aerobic exercises demand a high amount of oxygen.
Aerobic is an adjective that is used in the field of biology to name what is linked to aerobiosis . This concept (aerobiosis), for its part, refers to the life that develops in environments that have oxygen.
Aerobes are organisms that require oxygen for survival . Also called aerobic organisms , these beings use the energy that is released when the oxidation of different substances occurs.
Etymology of aerobic
In order to know precisely the meaning of the term aerobic, it is important to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can determine that it is a word that derives from Greek and means "related to exercises with a lot of movement or to the body that needs oxygen to live."
Furthermore, we have to emphasize that it is the result of the sum of three clearly defined components:
- The noun aero , which is equivalent to “air” .
- The name bio , which can be translated as “animal” .
- The suffix -ikos , meaning “related to” .
Riding a bicycle is an aerobic activity.
A type of physical activity
Aerobic exercises , on the other hand, are those physical activities that aim to burn fat using a high amount of oxygen . These exercises, which improve the person's resistance , are not very intense but are carried out over extended periods, unlike anaerobic exercises (more intense and shorter).
Jogging, cycling and swimming are some of the most popular aerobic exercises. When the person performs these activities , they inhale a significant amount of oxygen that allows them to burn fat. The use of oxygen also helps to improve lung capacity and provides benefits to the cardiovascular system.
Although aerobic exercises contribute to health , several issues must be taken into account before, during and after performing them. The first thing is to go to the doctor to perform an examination to know what type of exercise is possible according to the conditions of the body.
More benefits of aerobic exercises
In addition to those already mentioned, there are numerous other benefits that come with practicing aerobic exercises, such as these:
- They allow a notable improvement in resistance.
- They become a great alternative to lose weight.
- They do not increase muscle mass.
- They improve blood circulation.
- They achieve everything from improving the quality of sleep to increasing self-esteem or raising your mood.
- They strengthen the bones.
- They reduce the chances of suffering some type of bone fracture.
Before doing aerobic exercises, it is also important to warm up beforehand to minimize the possibility of suffering a muscle injury. At the end of the activity, it is recommended to stretch the muscles . Another aspect to consider is the need for hydration , both after aerobic exercises and while they are carried out.
Anaerobic practices
It is important to know that, when we talk about aerobic exercise, we inevitably also talk about the so-called anaerobic exercise . This is identified because it combines different types of high-intensity exercises in a short period of time and forces the heart to pump blood more quickly.
Among the most significant varieties or disciplines of it are soccer, rhythmic gymnastics, weight lifting, performing sit-ups and short races that take place at high speed.