AEROBICS

system of physical conditioning developed to increase the efficiency of the body's intake of oxygen. Typical aerobic exercises (e.g., walking, running, swimming, dancing, and cycling) stimulate heart and lung activity long enough to produce beneficial changes in the body. To be effective, aerobic training must include a minimum of three sessions per week. During each session, the exerciser's heart rate must be raised to his training level for at least 20 minutes. (See exercise.) The concept of aerobics was pioneered by physician Kenneth H. Cooper and popularized in his books Aerobics (1968) and The Aerobics Way (1977). Cooper's system uses point charts to rate the aerobic value of various exercises for different age groups. As individuals progressively upgrade the quantity and quality of their exercise, they can gauge the improvement in their physical condition through the point system.