History and Health Benefits of Aerobics

Before we ask what aerobics is and what impact does it have on weight loss, we should learn what aerobics means. Aerobics literally means “with oxygen” or “in the presence of oxygen”.  Aerobic exercise is any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously for a long period of time and is rhythmic in nature.

Aerobic activity trains the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system to process and deliver oxygen more quickly and efficiently to every part of the body. As the heart muscle becomes stronger and more efficient, a larger amount of blood can be pumped with each stroke. Fewer strokes are then required to rapidly transport oxygen to all parts of the body. Aerobic activity increases the body's production of endorphins. An aerobically fit individual can work longer, more vigorously and achieve a quicker recovery at the end of the aerobic session.

Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, an exercise physiologist for the San Antonio Air Force Hospital, Texas, coined the term 'aerobics' to describe the system of exercise that he devised to help prevent coronary artery disease. He originally formulated aerobic exercises specifically for astronauts, but soon realized that the same set of exercises are useful for the general public as well, especially those suffering from obesity, who are more likely to develop various heart diseases.


Dr. Cooper put together all of the aspects and methods he founded in his book Aerobics, which hit bookshelves across the United States in 1968. In a matter of months, the book became a bit hit amongst the fitness-minded American public, and its sales quickly crossed the million dollar mark, a feat that non-fiction or non-novel publications rarely achieved at that time. 

Researchers consistently recommend that regular physical activity with healthy eating habits is the most efficient way to stay in good shape and lose weight. Aerobic activity helps you to control or reduce your weight by using excess calories that otherwise would be stored as fat. Everything you do uses the calories including sleeping, digesting food and breathing. Any physical activity to what you normally do will use extra calories. So doing regular aerobic exercise gives you a sense of positive attitude that helps to counteract stress.