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Most of you have heard the word "aerobics". Though often used when talking about fitness, it is often misunderstood. The word "aerobic" means "with oxygen" - and oxygen is the key to your body's energy. Here is how it works:
Energy comes into the body in the form of food. The body then stores this energy in a chemical form until it is needed. Much of the energy is stored in your body's fat cells.
ENERGY REQUIRES OXYGEN
However, just because this energy source is present in the body doesn't mean it can be used automatically. This is because oxygen is needed to release the energy. The more energy your body uses, the more oxygen it needs. During vigorous activity such as running or rowing, your body may need 15 to 20 times more oxygen than at rest.
This is what aerobic fitness is all about - improving the body's ability to process and deliver oxygen. The more fit you are, the more oxygen your body can take in and process.
HEART, LUNGS AND BLOOD VESSELS AT WORK
Your cardiovascular and respiratory systems (heart, lungs and blood vessels) are responsible for processing and delivering oxygen. These are the systems you actually feel working when you are active, when your heart beat faster. These are also the systems that benefit most from aerobic activity.
The activities that best improve these systems are the ones that get your heart and lungs working harder - at a steady rate for at least 20 minutes. Activities like cross-country skiing, running, skating, cycling, rowing, brisk walking and swimming, all get the heart, lungs and blood vessels working to deliver the needed oxygen to the working muscles.
The most important improvement is to the heart muscle, which becomes stronger and, therefore, is able to pump more blood with each heartbeat.
The amount of oxygen your body can deliver to the active muscles is called your aerobic capacity, which has a direct effect on your body's energy activity you enjoy and keep at it for a minimum of 20 minutes on a daily basis. Your heart will thank you for it.
"Life is like riding a bicycle. You don't fall off unless you stop pedalling."
-Claude Pepper
© "Wellness Matters" 1999, used with permission.