Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving while aerobic activity or "cardio" get is exercise that gets you breathing harder and your heart beating faster. From pushing a lawn mower, to taking a dance class, to biking to the store – all types of activities count as physical activity and produce health benefits as long as you're doing them at a moderate or vigorous intensity for at least 10 minutes at a time.
For more on exercises and activities including workouts, read health and fitness magazines like Women’s Health, Shape, Fitness, Health, Self and Men’s Health magazines.
The health benefits associated with aerobic exercise are many. Aerobic exercise affects your heart, lungs and blood flow. During aerobic exercise, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. Breathing becomes faster and deeper, which maximizes the amount of oxygen in the blood. The heart will beat faster, which increases blood flow to muscles and back to the lungs. Small blood vessels will widen to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and carry away waste products. The body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers that make you feel good.
No matter your age, weight or athletic ability, aerobic exercise is good for your body. Your body will adapt to regular aerobic exercise and get stronger and more able. Aerobic exercise can help you feel better and enjoy life to the fullest in many ways:
• Reduce health risks like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some kinds of cancer.
• Maintain healthy weight by keeping excess pounds off.
• Empower your immune system and wards off viral illnesses like the flu and the common cold.
• Keeps arteries clear and healthy by increasing the concentration of high-density lipoprotein or the “good” cholesterol and decreases the concentration of low-density lipoprotein or the “bad” cholesterol in your blood.
• Makes your heart strong; a stronger heart doesn't need to beat as fast and pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow to all parts of your body.
• Is a natural morale booster: Aerobic exercise eases the gloominess of depression and reduces the tension associated with anxiety and promotes relaxation.
• Boosts stamina over the long term and reduces fatigue.
• Makes aging easier: aerobic exercise keeps your muscles strong, which can help you maintain mobility as you age. Aerobic exercise also keeps your mind sharp. According to Mayo Clinic researchers, at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three days a week can reduce cognitive decline in older adults.
