List of Aerobic Activities For Fat Loss

As each new year begins, many people have diets and fat loss on their minds.  Hopefully, most people realize that in order to lose body fat the best approach is to incorporate fitness and sensible nutritional practices into their lives to create a fat burning lifestyle.

In order to help distinguish between all of the gimmicky aerobic exercise fads floating around, I have compiled  a list of aerobic activities that I personally feel are the absolute best for fat loss.

Before we dive into the list, I know that there are a few questions that my clients regularly ask regarding aerobic activity. I would like to take the time to provide answers to some of the more common questions.

What is the definition of aerobic exercise?

In order to define aerobic exercise, we will need to take a look at the meaning of the word aerobic.  In it's simplest form, the word aerobic means 'with oxygen".  So, aerobic exercise is simply exercise that requires the use of oxygen.  Think back to the last time you performed any type of aerobic workout, I would imagine that you were breathing heavily? right?  That is because during aerobic exercise, your body uses oxygen to create energy for you to complete the exercise session.  In essence, you are exercising "with oxygen".

What are the health benefits of aerobic exercise?

There are many reported health benefits associated with aerobic exercise. Some of the most common are:  Reduced blood pressure, increased HDL (good) cholesterol, decrease in total cholesterol, decrease in body fat, increased aerobic work capacity, decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety and increased heart function.

With those common questions answered, here is my short list of aerobic activities for fat loss…

Aerobic Activity #1 - Jogging

I know that this seems obvious and boring, but that is exactly why I believe that it is one of the best.

Many people simply ignore this type of exercise, thinking that a fancy elliptical trainer or exercise bike is better.  This is simply not true.  The other main benefit of walking or jogging, is that you can perform it anywhere in the world. There is no need for fancy equipment. Just buy some comfortable walking / running shoes and your off.

Aerobic Activity #2 - Swimming

Many people simply can not walk or jog without pain and discomfort due to joint troubles.  This is where the benefits of swimming as an aerobic exercise come in to focus.

Swimming is one of the only non weight bearing exercises that provides an adequate cardiovascular workout. Not only that, but sometimes it's just plain fun to swim on a hot summers day.

Aerobic Activity #3 - Walking

The benefits of walking at a brisk pace have recently come to light in the medical and fitness communities.  Studies suggest that you can get many of helath benefits associate with jogging by simply walking at brisk pace a few days a week.

The main benefit of this type of exercise, is that while it is still weight bearing.  The stress placed on the joints is not as intense as in jogging.  This opens the door to people who otherwise would not be able to participate in any kind of aerobic activity.

Aerobic Activity #4 - Biking

Whether mountain biking, street biking or simply riding an exercise bike in your local gym, biking can add variety and excitement to your aerobic fitness program.  As with some of the other aerobic activities listed above, while somewhat weight bearing, biking traditionally places less stress on the joints of the lower body.

Aerobic Activity #5 - Roller blading, roller skating or ice skating are all great aerobic activities that can add variety and fun to your exercise routine.

While thoughts of graceful figre skaters may not conjure up images of aerobic exercise, ice skating, roller blading and roller skating will not only get your heart pumping, but will make you work muscles that you never knew existed!

While this list will get you moving in the right direction, it is important to spice up your weight loss exercise programs by regularly performing a variety of new and more challenging cardiovascular activities!