If you are reading fitness magazines or posts on social media, you would know about strength training. Apparently, strength training is the talk of the town, so much so that it occupies most of the people’s fitness routines. The fitness equation is now changing, limiting the space for aerobic exercises that have their own set of benefits.
There is no denying that strength training is effective and beneficial for developing strength and improving overall wellness. But at the same time, the benefits of aerobic exercises cannot be undermined. If not entirely, aerobic exercises should be included in your fitness regime. We will be telling you why in this blog.
But first things first…
Aerobic activity gets your blood pumping and muscles working. In fact, larger muscles such as arms, hips and legs are more involved in this category of exercises. Aerobic exercises maximise oxygen in your blood, making your heart pump blood faster and beat faster. Blood flow to the lungs and other muscles also increases during aerobic activities. Consequently, it releases natural painkiller hormones called endorphins that make you feel good.
Here are some of the benefits of aerobic exercises
It increases your stamina, fitness and strength
Aerobic exercises can leave you gasping for breath, so much so that you may even begin to hate aerobic exercises. But just so you know this is how you build stamina. It takes time, and the benefits are worth the physical struggle. The fatigue and tiredness will all fade away as you develop stamina and strength and improve your overall fitness.
Additionally, not just your muscles, but your lung and heart health will also improve, which will improve your quality of life.
Boosts your immunity
If you happen to get sick more often, you could benefit from aerobic exercises. Aerobic exercises play an immense role in boosting your immunity. As discussed above, exercising increases the blood flow to various parts of the body. With the increased blood flow, you also increase the movement of immune cells in different areas of the body, boosting the immune function all around the body.
Good for cardiovascular health
Heart diseases are becoming more and more common these days. A good way to improve cardiovascular health is aerobic exercise. These exercises boost oxygen levels, blood circulation and nutrients to the heart, improving cardiovascular health. They also reduce the chances of clogging in the arteries, control cholesterol and regulate blood pressure, to prevent heart issues.
Builds bones
Stronger bones prevent falls and fractures. This is where aerobic exercises come in to help improve bone health and make them stronger. By exercising, you can reduce the rate of bone loss, which is normal as you age. Consequently, you become less prone to developing fractures and falls.
Helps manage blood sugar
1 in 3 people are diagnosed with diabetes in India. All it takes is lifestyle changes to prevent and manage diabetes. Exercising plays a huge role in this. Muscles engaged in aerobic exercises are more sensitive to insulin as compared to resting muscles. Hence, each unit of insulin will have glucose absorption during exercise. This reduces blood sugar levels and helps manage them.
Helps lose weight
If you are planning to lose weight, do it with a mind to prevent health issues. Just so you know, obesity is linked with a variety of health issues. Aerobic exercises play a crucial role in reducing and managing weight. They are still effective, but the only downside is that they do not burn calories at rest, while strength training does. At the same time, strength training doesn’t burn a significant number of calories as aerobic exercises do. Hence, instead of choosing either of the two, it’s best if you incorporate both to maximise benefits and effectiveness.
How often should you do aerobic exercises?
Health experts recommend that you aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercises per week. Other than that you can include strength training as well to burn more calories at rest.
Closing thoughts
Incorporating aerobics exercises into your fitness routine is a prudent and holistic choice for overall well-being. The multifaceted benefits, ranging from cardiovascular health and weight management to stress reduction and improved mood, underscore the versatility and efficacy of aerobics. Engaging in these dynamic and rhythmic activities not only enhances physical fitness but also contributes to mental and emotional balance. As a sustainable and enjoyable fitness option, aerobics exercises offer a pathway to longevity and vitality.
