Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise is also called cardio because it works your heart. When you run, swim, or dance, your heart beats faster to send more blood to your muscles. This makes your heart and lungs stronger.

How Aerobic Exercise Helps

Aerobic exercise makes your heart stronger so it can pump blood more easily. It helps your lungs take in more air. It gives you more energy throughout the day.

It also helps your brain. Kids who do aerobic exercise often concentrate better in school and feel happier.

Fun Aerobic Activities

Running, biking, and swimming are great aerobic exercises. Playing tag, jumping rope, and soccer are fun ways to get your heart pumping too.

Try to do aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes at a time. You should be breathing hard but still able to talk. That means you are working at the right level.

Fun Facts

• The word aerobic means with oxygen because your muscles need extra oxygen during this exercise.
• Your heart can beat up to 200 times per minute during intense aerobic exercise.
• Regular aerobic exercise can help you fall asleep faster at night.

Did You Know?

When you do aerobic exercise, your body can pump up to five times more blood per minute than when you are resting!