Wellness Positive

Various Aerobic Exercises..

There are plenty of aerobics exercises that you can do that are both fun and effective, ranging from light walking to intense running, dance or martial arts exercise programs and workouts. Lets begin with the mildest form of aerobics exercise, walking...

1) Walking:

  If you haven't exercised for sometime, start out by doing some brisk walking. Do a reasonable distance - as your body becomes accustomed to it, you can move on to running or jogging.

  Remember, if you're walking, you should walk briskly, and for a considerable distance, as walking is far less efficient (in terms of exercise and fuel-burn) than even light running.

2) Running and Jogging:

  Running is excellent aerobic exercise - run or jog on soft ground, if possible, as this is easier on the bones and joints of the legs. Early mornings or evenings are great times to run.

  Running is one of the best exercises for weight loss - however, be careful that you wear comfortable running soles and don't 'pound the ground' with your feet when you run.

  If your feet are going to take you places, make sure you take good care of them..

3) Cycling:

  Cycling, whether outdoors or on an exercise bike, is superb exercise - just make sure you do enough of it.

  I recommend outdoor cycling, especially mountain biking or cross country (if possible). Even a ride through the city in the morning is more interesting than exercising on a stationary bike.

  However, if you have no other alternative, stationary cycling is still a great way to burn calories. It just requires more discipline.

4) Dancing and Skipping:

  These are great aerobics exercises, especially dancing, because it's fun. You can dance with a group of friends; or alone, to your favorite music. Or you can work out to an exercise video.. there are so many alternatives!

  Basically, whatever you do, if you enjoy it you're going to make your workout session far easier on yourself, and you'll also keep to it with far more dedication.

  Skipping is a superb exercise - if you do it indoors, just be careful that any breakables in your home are out of reach of your rope.

5) Exercise machines - Treadmills, Rowing machines and Stair Climbers.

  Rowing machines exercise the whole body and burn a large amount of calories - they are highly recommended.

  Stair climbing is another excellent energy burning exercise, especially as your whole body is moving against gravity when you climb stairs - however, it can be hard on your knees, so if you have a history of knee problems, consult your doctor before you begin any such program. In any case, if you're planning extensive stair climbing, you should protect your knees anyway with supportive elastic bands - even if you DON'T have any knee problems.

  Treadmills are a good alternative to walking and running, but not half as interesting - however, if you have no alternative, by all means use a treadmill. I recommend a run in a park in the morning or evening instead - if you increase the 'enjoyment factor' and interest value of your exercise, you are that much more likely to both do it well and keep to it over time.

"Train well, stay fit and stay healthy!"