Aerobic exercise is vital to staying healthy and fit. The benefits that it offers are many, helping a person achieve physical and even emotional fitness. Aerobic literally means "with oxygen." Aerobic exercise includes any activity that uses large muscle groups and can be done continuously over a period of longer than five minutes. Aerobic exercise increases one's heart rate and expands the lungs. Promoting general fitness, aerobic exercise conditions one's cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as increases one's endurance. An aerobically-fit individual has more stamina, and thus can work longer and more vigorously than one who is not as fit. As exercise becomes more frequent, the endurance of a person escalates. Besides this, it has also been proven that it reduces stress, increases oxygen flow, strengthens nervous and immune systems, provides more energy, and gives one a sense of well-being. In order to maintain one's health, it is recommended to exercise five times a week, for at least thirty minutes. One's heart rate should be at sixty to ninety percent of an age-specific maximum heart rate in order to achieve fitness. One's daily schedule should include cardiovascular activity such as housework, gardening, walking, etc. Most doctors agree that walking is a great tool for fitness, as it can give a better workout than most gym machines. Also, it does not require equipment, and it has the least risk of injury than any other aerobic exercise. Another aerobic exercise, swimming, aids the joints, and is a balanced muscular workout that can promote relaxation. Cycling builds leg muscles. There is a numerous variety of aerobic activities that can suit nearly any person's goals and abilities. Aerobic exercise builds up an individual in strength, endurance, and well-being, and therefore should be a top priority for most people. .
