Aerobics

There are so many types of aerobics that it is hard to keep track of them all. There is the traditional form that is still sometimes done in a group setting, and then there are a multitude of hybrids that all bill themselves as some type of aerobics. The good news about all of these hybrids and classes is that all of them will help you burn calories and fat and are a great cardio boost for your heart.

Traditional aerobics started as a series of group classes in the 1970s and caught on like wildfire. The classes taught a series of rapid stepping patterns that increased heart rate allowing for beneficial exercise. It was invented by a doctor at a military hospital in San Antonio, TX as a way to prevent coronary heart disease in soldiers. Today aerobics when coupled with a diet can help prevent coronary heart disease in any person, not just soldiers.

This type of exercise is good for the lungs as well, as the increased respiration increases lung capacity and overall health. Studies have also shown that it improves not only your sleep patterns but the overall quality of your sleep and has also been proven to lower cholesterol as well.

Today classes that include cardio, dancing, steps, cycling, circuit training, spinning and many others all have the oxygenating affect that comes with this type of exercise regimen. Yoga, Pilates and many other specialized workouts also have elements of it within them, making them effective not just at toning but also at cardio as well.