Importance of aerobics

Every health program should include some form of aerobic exercise. With aerobics, you continually move large muscle groups such as legs, arms, and buttocks. This action causes you to breathe more deeply. Your heart works harder to pump blood, thereby strengthening your heart and lungs.

Aerobic exercise incudes walking, jogging, aerobic dancing, bicycling, swimming, hiking, and all sports that involve running, such as basketball, soccer, tennis, handball, and racquet ball.

Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

1. Warm up for 5 minutes before starting. Go slow for another 5 minutes.
2. Increase your workout gradually from 5 minutes to 20 minutes until your heart rate is 60 percent of maximum, which is 220 minus your age.
3. Count your pulse for 15 seconds. Multiply by four to find your heart rate.