Health and Fitness

Aerobic exercise is any exercise that focuses on increasing cardiovascular activity and fitness rather than building large muscles. For example, lifting weights is not an aerobic activity, whereas jogging is. There are many aerobic programs, and though most are targeted at women, they're available to everybody. If you don't feel like the drive to midtown for Pilates is worth it, keep in mind all of the health benefits of aerobic exercise.

The most important function of aerobics is to increase the efficiency of your heart and lungs. These are probably the two most important parts of your body, so it only makes sense that working them out should be your highest priority. Like any muscle, the more you work out your heart and lungs, the stronger they become. Regular exercise can reduce your resting heart rate as well as burn fat and calories. All of this combines for a lower likelihood of heart problems.

Many aerobic programs, like Pilates, work on flexibility as well as fitness. Flexibility is important to your health because it can prevent injuries. Regular stretching has been shown to prevent the tearing of muscles and tendons. The more flexible you are, the less likely you are to become injured when you're participating in a physical activity.

While aerobic exercise doesn't focus on dramatic muscle growth, it does build lean muscle. You'll probably notice many of your muscles become more defined. This muscle growth not only makes you look better, but it also helps make daily activities easier. The next time you help someone move you don't have to destroy your back to lift a heavy object.

Anybody looking to live a healthy life should try to include aerobic exercise in their schedule.

Beyond Pilates provides a compelling escape from the urban every day, combining the best that Pilates Midtown and fitness science have to offer, with an encouraging and fun environment. (http://www.beyondpilates.net/aboutus_thestudio.html)