The Body Talk: Aerobics

Aerobics became sensational because it combines exercise with modern music and entertainment. This is a form of exercise improves all of the elements of fitness, namely flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio-vascular fitness.

Aerobics is a combination of stretching and strength training as it became a groundbreaking book in 1968. This all go back when Dr. Kenneth Cooper, an exercise physiologist, and Colonel Pauline Potts, a physical therapist. Both included a scientific exercise program that integrates running, walking, swimming, and bicycling. 

The good news about aerobics is this is a moderate intensity workout that uses oxygen in the process, thus, promoting good blood circulation in the body.

Aerobics for All

There are types of aerobics that you can choose from depending on your capability. And it is always the best suggestion to have a doctor’s appointment and have yourself checked to know which type of aerobic exercise that is appropriate for you. Now, we know that in the verge of seeking health and balance on our body, it is not only essential to have a healthy diet. 

You should be able to keep and maintain your body’s physical activity. Unfortunately, there are people who have limited capacity when it comes to work-outs. There are some who are not capable of performing high intensity levels. What is best for them is to have low impact aerobics such as walking. They can maintain about two to three miles walking, at three times per week. Walking is good for people who have back problems. They can also try stationery biking as this is the most comfortable with people who prefer sitting positions than standing. 

They can also purchase home equipment such as elliptical trainer or step machine. This machine facilitates smoother step forward in a gliding motion. Another low impact aerobic exercise is the water aerobics. This water therapy is a very effective conditioning for the body as the buoyancy negates gravitational pull making it easier to stretch. This is perfect for people who are experiencing arthritis or back pains. You can mostly see old people signing up for water aerobics class. This is also applicable for people who have diabetes and hypertension. 

The benefit of exercising into the water is your body temperature remains cooler, although you will perspire throughout the routine. If you are also starting to engage in exercise program, this can also help your body adjust with the stretching and strengthening exercises. However, it is best if you perform this type of exercise in temperature-controlled pools. 

You should do some warm ups using the side pools. Since the water in the pool is chlorinated, have a nice shower after the exercise. Use a special formulated shampoo to rinse off the chemicals from hair accumulated from the pool. Moisturize your skin by applying a lotion after showering. You should keep yourself hydrated before, during, and after the exercise. Never swim or perform alone to avoid injuries. For safety precautions, you can also use devices that will aid you in swimming to prevent instances of drowning.

 Dancing and Aerobics

There are techniques of aerobics that are designed with choreography with music accompaniment. For example is the step aerobics that is terrific for runners, cyclist, and walkers as it uses an elevated platform to add intensity. It is designed to move around twenty-five to thirty basic steps. The variation of the step and difficulty can be determined by the height of the step. However, it is advised to never use a platform that makes your knee higher than your hips when you are doing the steps. 

You can also carry weights while doing this exercise. Another type of aerobics that has kept the people from moving is the dance aerobics. This type of exercise is harmonized with dance movements.  Zumba was known in 2001 by Alberto Perez, who then used Latin moves and music. Another dance that was designed by Julia Sheppard Missett in 1969 is the jazzercise. It is a type of strengthening and toning with combined concepts of yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, and resistance training. 

Also known these days and has been popular with worldwide championships is the ballroom dancing that is documented since the 1500’s. Belly dancing is also popular these days especially to women who wanted to tone their curves through using their muscle torso to move the body.  Other option available are the hiphop and pole dancing that is now trending today. 

There is also a harder type of aerobic that is used for competitive sports. It is a combination of aerobic choreography and gymnastic elements. Whatever the platform is, this exciting and creative form of exercises has somehow helped many people in maintaining their fitness through the body language of aerobics.