A restrictive diet which cuts out certain food groups such as carbohydrates and fats may be dangerous to your health, and is not an effective solution for losing weight. Your body needs certain quantities of nutritious food coming from various food groups in order to function well. Eliminating certain foods will not only deprive your body of much needed nutrients but can also cause food cravings that ultimately sabotage a weight loss diet. Health experts recommend instead a weight loss plan which combines a balanced diet in appropriate portions and regular exercise such as aerobic fitness routines.
Why aerobic fitness?
Aerobic exercise or “aerobics” refers to a form of physical activity which blends rhythmic, repetitive movement that works the lungs and heart. These organs strive to provide the body with much needed oxygen during the workout, thus the term “aerobics” which means “with oxygen”.
Aerobics requires a minimum period of exercise for the repetitive movements to stimulate circulation and respiratory function. When performed regularly, aerobic exercises burn calories and boost metabolism which are important aspects of weight loss. In addition, aerobic activities prevent serious diseases such as hypertension, heart attack, diabetes, and certain cancers. Its other benefits include lower blood pressure, increased bone density for stronger bones, improved muscle strength, flexibility, and weight loss.
Exercise also releases endorphins which are the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, contributing to improved moods and fighting depression.
Starting aerobic fitness
Aerobics encompasses a wide range of routines to suit every person’s fitness level. It can be low-impact, step, sport or dance aerobics.
Low-impact exercises make use of rhythmic movements that exercise large muscle groups. These are gentle on the joints yet provide a good cardiovascular workout, ideal for people with arthritis or joint problems. Examples of low-impact exercises are water aerobics which are exercise routines performed in a swimming pool.
Step aerobics uses an elevated platform (called a ‘step’) which may be adjusted to meet individual needs. Exercises involve stepping up and down the step following a set of moves choreographed by an instructor. Routines are accompanied by dance music in various tempos and are learned in group dance classes, usually with two to three routines in each class.
Dance aerobics is a set of exercise routines integrated with dance movements of various types such as jazz, ballet, disco, ballroom and salsa. Gyms and fitness centres usually offer dance fitness classes to break the monotony of machine exercises and to complement strength and resistance training. Aerobic dance classes are popular among beginners and fitness enthusiasts because the exercise routines are fun and pleasurable while providing a complete body workout and promoting weight loss.