Aerobics can mean many different things. For some people, it conjures up images of Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons in the 1980s. For other people, it means cardio. There is no wrong answer, but let's dive a little deeper before revealing the many ways aerobics can help you.
One definition of aerobic is 'continuous exercises that use your body's oxygen as fuel.' Another definition or aerobic is 'vigorous exercises, such as swimming or walking, designed to strengthen the heart and lungs.' Those two definitions go hand-in-hand.
Aerobic dance is something else. It's exercise that chooses to combine rhythmic aerobic exercise along with stretching and some strength training.' Now you know the difference between aerobic exercise and aerobic dance exercise. Examples of both will be used below. The benefits of aerobic exercise will also be covered.
More Than Just An 80's/90's Trend
Let's first look back on exercise trends over the past 80 years. The 1940s was all about stretching and jumping jacks. How far we have come. The 1950s saw hula hooping take over, and this is still a great aerobic workout. The 1960s primarily featured the vibrating belt. Thankfully that’s long gone. That doesn't work. In the 1970s, the trend moved to Jazzercise. In the 1980s, aerobics took over. This was done by focusing more on exercise than dance. The popularity went through the roof, especially after Jane Fonda published books and released workout videos on it.
But let's keep in mind that aerobics is many things, including walking, cycling, swimming, stepping, etc. This also includes more modern day popular trends, including Zumba, CrossFit, Cross Training, and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
Benefits of Aerobics
The first thing aerobic exercise will do is strengthen your heart, which is the most important muscle in your body. Your heart should always be your first priority, over biceps, triceps, chest, shoulders, back, and legs. If you keep your heart healthy, you live longer. It's as simple as that.
The second thing aerobic exercise will do is help your lungs. This is going to improve your breathing, which is also very important because you will be able to do everyday things more easily.
Weight loss is a third benefit. Of course, maintaining a healthy weight is going to greatly reduce the risk of some diseases. You're also going to feel better and experience improved confidence. This, in turn, will improve your mood.
When you put it all together, aerobic exercise, whether dance-oriented or not, is going to make you healthier, improve your confidence and mood, and enhance your quality of life. A lot of this has to do with releasing endorphins into your bloodstream when participating in aerobic exercise. Those endorphins make you happy. It's as simple as that. Since that's the case, it's highly recommended you get moving.
Finding An Aerobics Class
If you're going to take an aerobics class, most of them will be 20-30 minutes and choreographed to music. You won't find many traditional aerobics classes like there were in the 1980s, but you will find many other options. One of the most popular is Zumba, which has withstood the test of time because of how invigorating it makes people feel. You're essentially dancing the tango, salsa, bachata, and/or flamingo while burning tons of calories. This leads to the ideal mix of fun and exercise. You should have no problem finding a Zumba class in your area. Simply type into a search engine and you should be good to go.
If you want something a little less intense, search for Jazzercise classes. They aren't as popular as Zumba, but they're still around, and you just might find one in your area. High Intensity Interval Classes (HIIT) are everywhere and very rewarding. Just be prepared for a challenge if you choose to go this route.
In regards to challenges, the same can be said for spin classes, but in a different way because this is all cardio and no weights, but it's very intense. You will leave dripping in sweat and feeling like a million bucks. Other options for aerobics classes include water aerobics, boot camp, and kickboxing. Choose what fits you best and go for it. You will be happy you did.