Get fit! The benefits of aerobic exercise

Aerobics are an easy, fun way to get fit. Here's an outline of what's in it for you.

In a normal 24 hour period, investing 30 minutes in exercise and body toning isn't too much to ask. True, we're all in a hurry to get the kids to school, get to work on time, finish projects, get home and cook dinner and the rest of it. But what amount of time do we set aside for our bodies, that help us perform all these marvelous, multiple tasks? Not much, you say? Well, then, its time to change things for the better.

How aerobic exercise helps the body

Let's take a look and see what happens to the human body when it indulges in aerobics.

During any form of aerobic exercise, we use the large muscles of our hands, legs, hips and other muscles. The quick movements and jumping, along with side-to-side motion cause the heart to pump blood faster to the body. In addition to this, the lungs take in a lot more oxygen, which aids the circulation of blood to even the tiniest capillaries which open up wide. This way your body gets energised faster. It also helps the bloodstream carry toxins out of your body faster than normal. The body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. These endorphins flow throughout the body, through the blood stream and hence, make you 'feel better'.

The first step to starting any form of aerobic exercise is to consult your doctor. He or she will be the best person to assess your present condition and tell you how and when to start what type of exercise. If you're overweight, the doctor may suggest a mild form of aerobics, the absolute basic. If your weight is proportionate to your height, the doc will check other vital body functions before recommending moderate to intense aerobic exercises. Whatever be your age, weight and frame of mind, do not take up aerobics before consulting your physician.

What regular aerobic exercise can do for you

If you're looking for some reasons why you should begin aerobic exercise, here's a small list to begin with:

• Reduces health risks: From diabetes to cholesterol to high blood pressure, the list goes on. All these conditions and many more can be kept at bay if your body is healthy and aerobics is just one good way to do that.
• Keeps off the extra weight: Aerobics is the easiest and fastest way to help shed those extra pounds and keep them off for good. Once you've lost the bulk of your weight, the muscle weight that replaces it, can be maintained by regular, moderate aerobics. This can help you ward off osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease.
• Keeps your arteries clear: Aerobics help increase the amount of 'good cholesterol' (HDL) in your body and decrease the 'bad cholesterol' (LDL). This is good news for your heart; you won't ever have to find out that your arteries are blocked.
• Strengthens your heart: This form of exercise strengthens your heart, making it pump blood to the rest of your body in the most efficient manner.
• Builds stamina: Initially, when you're new at it, aerobic exercise will make you a bit tired and sore. However, in the long run, you will notice that your stamina has increased and with it your body's resistance to illnesses and viral infections.
• Boosts your mood: Although aerobic exercise is all about increased movement and heart rate, it releases certain 'feel-good' chemicals from the pituitary gland in the brain. These tell your body to get out of the gloomy state it is in. You will instantly feel better, less anxious or depressed.

Don't wait any longer. Don't worry about how heavy you are. Hurry, ask your doctor and get started! The sooner you begin, the sooner you will reap the benefits of just 30 minutes of jumping around!