Aerobic exercise refers to the availability of oxygen, an adequate amount of which is required to meet energy requirements during exercise. Without getting too scientific, the body needs an adequate amount of oxygen for cellular respiration to function properly. If oxygen availability is too low, the body will use other processes to produce energy, which is known as anaerobic exercise.
The availability of free oxygen has a lot of impact on these processes which is why aerobic training tends to be done at a slightly lower intensity and over a longer period of time than anaerobic training.
The body is able to meet the demands of aerobic exercise without needing to use the anaerobic processes.
The most common types of aerobic training are long-distance running, cycling, swimming, and dancing as well as a host of sports from soccer to basketball. All of these sports and activities tend to take place over an extended period of time and while elements of anaerobic fitness may be used in short periods, a high level of cardiovascular fitness is essential to enable this type of activity.
There are several health benefits to aerobic training such as the strengthening of muscles involved in respiration, strengthening of the heart (this is known as aerobic conditioning) as well as a reduction in resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, and improved circulation. The reduction of cholesterol and body fat can also be positive for long-term health and there are also many mental health benefits associated with the rewards and achievements that come with aerobic exercise.