aerobics

American  

[uh-roh-biks] / əˈroʊ bɪks /

noun

1. Also called aerobic exercises.  (used with a plural verb) any of various sustained exercises, as jogging, rowing, swimming, or cycling, that stimulate and strengthen the heart and lungs, thereby improving the body's utilization of oxygen.

2. (used with a singular verb) a physical fitness program based on such exercises.

   Aerobics is a good way to get your body in shape.

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aerobics British  

/ ɛəˈrəʊbɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) any system of sustained exercises designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and strengthen the heart and lungs

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aerobics Cultural  

1. Exercise designed specifically to improve cardiovascular fitness and, subsequently, the body's use of oxygen. Also called aerobic exercise.

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Discover More

The term aerobics usually refers to a specific kind of vigorous exercise, sometimes involving dance steps, that is set to music. Other forms of aerobic exercise include running, cycling, and swimming.

Other Word Forms

• aerobicist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of aerobics

1965–70; see aerobic, -ics; probably shortened from aerobic exercises on the model of calisthenics

Explanation

Aerobics is a type of exercise that works the heart and lungs, leaving you breathing hard. When you do aerobics, you work up a sweat. Aerobics is a kind of workout that makes you breathe faster and gets your heart pounding, like jogging or biking uphill. When people talk about aerobics, they sometimes mean a specific exercise program that's often done in groups, accompanied by loud music. This kind of aerobics has been around since the 1960s, combining vigorous movements, stretching, and strength training. Aerobics comes from aerobic, originally "living only in the presence of oxygen," with the Greek roots aero, "air," and bios, "life."

Example Sentences

Aerobics and dance are similar to Drumboxing in that they incorporate coordinated movements to music; but the movements are meant to be learned, refined and then repeated over time.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2023

Aerobics does give you that rush and that high.

From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2021

AAU offers several different programs from Aerobics to Wrestling, but basketball is really the main driver of the organization.

From Fox News • Nov. 12, 2019

Inspired by Cooper’s book, engineer Bill Staub founded Aerobics Inc. in 1968 and launched the PaceMaster, convinced that an affordable treadmill had a place in the home.

From Washington Post • Jan. 31, 2017

A certified Aerobics instructor, she appears regularly—with a bevy of other muscle-toned beauties—on an exercise program, “Power Moves!” on cable TV.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt