Fitness Aerobics

Cardiovascular exercise, or fitness aerobics, works in a different way than the strength training that I discuss in other pages. If I absolutely HAD to choose between one of the two, I would go with strength training (more effective overall for fat loss and shaping a 'better' body.) However, a good cardio program, when followed properly, can accelerate your results as well as strengthen many of your vital systems.

The most obvious system that benefits (and the namesake of cardio exercise) is the cardiovascular (circulatory) system. Regular aerobic exercise strengthens your heart, by subjecting it to a gradual (and hopefully safe) level of increased function. In addition to this, your lungs and respiratory system must provide additional power as well, thereby getting stronger. Studies show that there parallel benefits to other systems as well, such as your immune and endocrine (hormonal) systems.

The most common mistake that people make when beginning on a fitness aerobics program, is that they try to push too hard too soon. This results in their body going into an anaerobic mode. Anaerobic mode is great for when you are strength training, but in this case you will burn stored fat more effectively in aerobic mode...not to mention that this all will be a lot less painful!

Here's a general rule of thumb: If you are gasping for air, chances are you have moved into anaerobic. The ideal aerobic zone would have you breathing heavily, but not out of breath. The literal translation of these two words, respectively, is "without oxygen" and "with oxygen".

When starting out, you should aim to be in your ideal "cardio zone" for about 30 minutes. Most modern machines in your local gym will have built in heart rate monitors, which will show you exactly where this range is. As your body gets into better condition you can increase the duration, but I would not advise going longer than an hour. You do not want to overdo cardiovascular exercise as you will risk burning off muscle as well as fat.

From 'fitness aerobics' back to 'workouts'

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