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Aerobics: Work Quicker, Longer And Recover Early
Since 1970, aerobics has become increasingly popular as hundreds of new aerobic exercise videos are being released each year. This special type of exercise involves rapid stepping patterns that are performed to accompanying music, with an instructor providing the necessary moves and steps. After the 1970 publication of a book written by Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper named "The New Aerobics", the activity known as aerobics grew in popularity and peaked in the 1980s with a lot of celebrities including Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons creating their own videos and television shows to promote this form of exercise.
There are two types of group aerobic exercises. Freestyle aerobics and pre-choreographed aerobics. Freestyle aerobics incorporates a style of aerobic exercise that is linked closely to choreography and dance and is practiced mainly to enhance a person's flexibility. This is usually achieved by teaching the class 1-2 movements at a time and repeating the movements until the class is able to join the whole choreography together. Aerobic music is used throughout the class. This is sometimes followed by a strength section which uses body weight exercises to strengthen muscles and a stretch routine to cool down and improve flexibility. Classes are usually 30-60 minutes in length and may include the use of equipment such as a barbell, aerobic step, or small weights. Most of the participants of this form of aerobic exercise are young female children and women over the age of 35. Pre-choreographed aerobics, on the other hand, is similar to freestyle aerobics, but has a set routine such as that found on a video or television program.
In spite of its popularity and health benefits, it may come as no suprise that many people find excuses to avoid exercise. People usually say that they do not have the time to go to the gym or they claim that a gym membership is too expensive. No matter what excuse is used, there is still good news for those who want a heart pumping and sweat filling workout in the comfort of their home. Since Jane Fonda's video on exercises came out, there have been a plethora of similar videos to choose from. There are low-impact and high-impact workout videos as well as specialty videos that cater to pregnant women and the elderly.
Aerobic in literal terms means "with oxygen". Aerobic movement is rhythmic and repetitive, engaging the large muscle groups in the arms and legs for at least twenty minutes to an hour per session. The major fuel is oxygen which is used to sustain activity over lengthy periods of time. Generally speaking, the exercises require the muscles to work in great part to raise the heart rate to between 60 percent and 80 percent of its maximum rate. Other forms of aerobic exercise that are also beneficial include running, walking, swimming, biking, and cross-country skiing. The person who performs aerobic exercises regularly will be able to work longer and with more vigor and will also be able to recover quicker once the workout session ends.
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