We’ve all been hearing about the health benefits of regular aerobic exercise and eating properly. According to numerous online sources, aerobic exercise includes activity that makes the heart and lungs worker harder than they do at rest for a continuous period of time. There are many types of aerobic exercise to choose from including dancing, skating, skiing, running, walking, bicycling, stair climbing, and swimming. Aerobic exercise videos are another option that can be used in the privacy of one’s home, and provide a beneficial workout that gets the heart pumping. Going to the gym is not always an option, nor is it necessary. People can get aerobic exercise at home, at work, or at school. Many larger companies offer employees work out facilities and running tracks as well as walking paths around their campuses. In fact, many corporations encourage healthy aerobic exercise during the workday to increase energy and decrease fatigue as well as improve general well being.

Research has shown that regular aerobic exercise boosts the immune system, increases endorphins, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, decreases the risk for developing cardiac disease, diabetes, obesity, and various forms of cancer. Physical exercise promotes mental health, reduces anxiety and stress, and promotes unity of mind, body, and spirit. Different types of aerobic exercise can be performed for varying lengths of time depending on how strenuous the activity. For example, thirty minutes of walking at a moderate pace is comparative to jogging or running for fifteen to twenty minutes. The same physical benefit is gained from each. Ten minutes of strenuous stair climbing is also good aerobic exercise that can be done on a lunch break or at home, almost anywhere. Exercise programs can be tailored to fit anyone’s particular fitness needs, even if the previous level of activity was nothing more than moving from the bedroom to the couch to the kitchen and back. We all have to start somewhere!

The benefits of regular aerobic exercise are very apparent, and should be incorporated into everyone’s life. Great improvement in cardiac and lung function can be seen with as little as twenty to thirty minutes three times a week. As fitness level improves work out sessions can be increased to thirty minutes five times a week or more. If any particular health concerns are present, then a health care provider should be consulted before starting any exercise or strength training program. The benefits of moderate physical exercise are undisputed and can lead the way to a long healthy life, with less illness and chronic disease. So get those shoes on and get going!