Aerobic exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical
Regardless of age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for you. See why — then prepare yourself to get moving.
By Mayo Clinic StaffRegular aerobic activity, such as walking, bicycling or swimming, can help you live longer and healthier. Need motivation? See how aerobic exercise affects your heart, lungs and blood flow. Then get moving and start reaping the rewards.
How your body responds to aerobic exercise
During aerobic activity, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. You'll notice your body's responses quickly.
You'll breathe faster and more deeply. This maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart will beat faster, which increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs.
Your small blood vessels (capillaries) will widen to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid.
Your body will even release endorphins, natural painkillers that promote an increased sense of well-being.
Feb. 24, 2017 See more In-depthProducts and Services
See also
- 10,000 steps
- 5K training schedule
- Exercise warm-up
- Aerobic exercise: What's the best frequency for workouts?
- Air pollution and exercise
- Ankle weights for fitness walkers
- Barefoot running shoes
- Buying athletic shoes? Check your arch
- Buying new workout shoes? Get the right fit
- Choose the right walking shoes
- Cycle your way to better health
- Do you need to warm up before you exercise?
- Elliptical machines: Better than treadmills?
- Exercise: Are you working hard enough?
- Exercise for weight loss
- Exercise: How much do I need?
- Exercise intensity
- Exercising: Does taking the stairs count?
- Exercising? Take it up a notch
- Focus on fit when shoe shopping
- Walking schedule
- Going up? Take the stairs
- Healthy heart for life: Avoiding heart disease
- Interval Training
- Kids and exercise
- Vary your cardiovascular workouts
- Need a gym to get fit?
- Interval training
- Should people with atrial fibrillation participate in physical activity?
- Aquatic exercises
- Starting an exercise program: Take time to rest
- Step it up with an activity tracker
- The real secret to a healthy heart
- Time for new walking shoes?
- Tired of walking alone? Team up!
- Track your activity
- Walking for fitness: Getting started
- Walking for fitness: Overcoming setbacks
- Walking for fitness: Staying motivated
- Walking for fitness: Warm up, cool down
- Walking group
- Walking and trackers
- Walking poles
- Walking shoes
- Walking for fitness
- Walking with ankle weights? Stop!
- Want to get more active? Try an activity tracker
- Want to get more out of your workouts?
- Want to maximize your daily walk?
- Weighted hula hoops: Hoopla or good exercise?
- What's in an athletic shoe?
- Whole-body vibration
- What is Zumba?