Aerobic Exercise.

Bristol Diabetes . Access . Exercise

What is Aerobic Exercise?

Aerobic exercising is any steady enduring exercise. To get the benefits of aerobic exercise you should exercise continuously for 10 or more minutes.

Walking, swimming, cycling, running & jogging for 10+ plus minutes are all aerobic exercises, as are indoor activities on stair steppers, rowing machines & treadmills.

If you can't find time for your 30 minutes a day in one go, split it it 3 ten minute sessions. Or any 10, 15 or 20 minute combination that suits you but remember a full 10 minutes or it doesn't count!

Aerobic exercising works the major muscles groups of the body and trains the heart, lungs and circulation to work more efficiently. It improves blood flow and oxygen supply both or which can help reduce the risks of diabetes complications.

Don't forget to get advice on exercising if you have any health concerns. See the caution on the Exercise Basic's page for more information.

Swimming is particularly recommended as it exercises most of the major muscles groups and puts little stress on the joints.

Build up the Duration and Intensity.

Start at a low level and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your exercise until you reach the level you are happy with. Don't try for to much all at once!

Warm Up & Cool Down.

If you are engaged in more intense aerobic exercises its a good idea to start and finish slowly. This gives the body a chance to adjust without any sudden strains.

Warm up activities aim to literally warm up the muscles - they can be walking, a slow run or stretching. Cool down aims to gradually lessen the exercise giving the heart a chance to reduce to closer to normal levels, sudden stops can put stress on the heart and lower blood pressure which may make you dizzy or feel faint.