Is walking an aerobic exercise?

People who are not satisfied with their body shape will pay more attention to information related to weight loss, or watch some health programs, or search for some related content on the Internet. However, when faced with some professional terms, some people will be confused and not very clear. For example, if you want to lose weight, you can do aerobic exercise. So, what is aerobic exercise? Is walking considered aerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise refers to physical exercise performed by the human body with adequate oxygen supply. That is, during exercise, the amount of oxygen inhaled by the human body is equal to its demand, reaching a state of physiological balance. Simply put, aerobic exercise refers to any rhythmic exercise that lasts for a long time (about 15 minutes or more) and has a moderate or high intensity (75% to 85% of the maximum heart rate).

Whether it is "aerobic exercise" is measured by heart rate. Exercise with a heart rate of 150 beats per minute is considered aerobic exercise, because blood can supply enough oxygen to the myocardium at this time;

Therefore, it is characterized by low intensity, rhythm and long duration. Each exercise should last no less than 1 hour and should be done 3 to 5 times a week. This type of exercise allows oxygen to fully burn (i.e. oxidize) the sugar in the body, consume body fat, enhance and improve cardiopulmonary function, prevent osteoporosis, and regulate psychological and mental state. It is the main form of exercise for fitness.

Common aerobic exercises include: walking, brisk walking, jogging, race walking, skating, long-distance swimming, cycling, Tai Chi, aerobics, skipping rope/rhythmic gymnastics, ball sports such as basketball, football, etc. Aerobic exercise is characterized by low intensity, rhythm, uninterrupted and long duration. Compared with explosive non-aerobic exercises such as weightlifting, running, high jump, long jump, and throwing, aerobic exercise is a constant exercise that can last for more than 5 minutes with spare energy.

Aerobic exercise has its own criteria, which is that the heart rate should be within 150 beats per minute during exercise. Such exercise can effectively consume body fat and is a very effective way to lose weight. Walking happens to meet this standard, so it is an aerobic exercise. Older people who want to lose weight might as well adopt this more soothing exercise.