Add aerobic exercise to your life

Karen Fifield<fifield@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Adding daily exercise is important to any routine. Aerobic exercise adds strength to your overall physical condition.

This is the time of year that we begin to prepare our bodies for the beach. Many people add exercise as a goal or resolution to achieve in the New Year. After the decision is made to add regular exercise to your life, you need to decide what is appropriate for you as an individual. We have all heard that aerobic exercise is best, but what is considered to be aerobic as far as exercise goes?

Michigan State University Extension reminds that it is important to check with your doctor before you begin any exercise plan. In an overall picture aerobic exercise raises your heart rate because you are demanding more from the muscles you are using. So really, if you are walking and gradually increase your pace, you are doing aerobic exercise. There is an increase in blood flow through your heart, lungs muscles and your organs, bringing energy and oxygen to your body. Remember to start out slow and increase your pace gradually. This could be starting with as little as a five minute walk twice a day and then increase the time to at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is a simple affordable way to add aerobic exercise to your lifestyle. To answer the question posed above, aerobic exercise can be:

  • Brisk walking
  • Dancing
  • Swimming
  • Bicycling
  • Stair climbing
  • Jogging
  • Cross-country skiing

Aerobic exercise should be something that can provide a gradual increase in your heart rate. The benefits that you are rewarded with after making the choice to add aerobic exercise to your life style are boundless. A few benefits of aerobic exercise are:

  • Strengthens your heart and other muscles in your body
  • Increases your stamina
  • Boosts your immune system
  • Keeps your arteries clear
  • Can help your mood stay positive

Staying active can help keep your mind sharp and add to your longevity. Regular aerobic exercise is an important additive to all of our lives, so start reaping the benefits and add aerobic exercise to your life.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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