Aerobic exercise is the activity required to move oxyenated blood into the muscles from the organs, and generally makes you breathe hard while you use your muscles at a regular, even pace, like brisk walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing, racket sports, skiing etc. Aerobic exercise has many health benefits, and uses more calories than other activities are less vigorous!

 

In order to benefit from your aerobic exercise, you shoud exercise at a level strenuous enough to raise your heart rate to your target zone. Your target heart rate zone is 50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate (the fastest your heart can beat).

 

In order to benefit from your aerobic exercise, you shoud exercise at a level strenuous enough to raise your heart rate to your target zone. Your target heart rate zone is 50 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate (the fastest your heart can beat).

To see if you are exercising within your target heart rate zone, count the number of pulse beats at your wrist or neck for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get the beats per minute. Your heart should be beating within your target heart rate zone. If your heart is beating faster than your target heart rate, you are exercising too hard and should slow down. If your heart is beating slower than your target heart rate, you should exercise a little harder.

When you begin your exercise program, aim for the lower part of your target zone (50 percent). As you get into better shape, slowly build up to the higher part of your target zone (75 percent). If exercising within your target zone seems too hard, exercise at a pace that is comfortable for you. You will find that, with time, you will feel more comfortable exercising and can slowly increase to your target zone.