What defines aerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise is characterized as any sustained physical activity that increases heart and lung fitness by utilizing oxygen to produce energy. This form of exercise typically involves activities that can be maintained over extended periods, such as running, cycling, swimming, or dancing, at a moderate level of intensity where the body can maintain an adequate supply of oxygen. This helps improve cardiovascular endurance and efficiency.

The focus on sustained activity in aerobic exercise distinguishes it from other forms of fitness training that may emphasize short bursts of high intensity or muscle-specific strength. For instance, high-intensity interval training, which involves short bursts of high-intensity effort, is not classified as aerobic exercise since it may rely more on anaerobic pathways due to its intensity and duration. Similarly, weightlifting and resistance training primarily focus on muscle strength and hypertrophy rather than cardiovascular fitness and endurance, which are core components of aerobic exercise.