Aerobic exercises derive their name from the Greek word
aer which means "air." It refers to physical activities that require a significant amount of oxygen to be taken in and utilized by the body's muscles during exercise. In aerobic exercises, the body's heart rate and breathing rate increase, promoting efficient oxygen circulation and delivery to the muscles.
Some common examples of aerobic exercises include running, cycling, swimming, brisk walking, dancing, hiking, and playing sports like tennis or basketball. These exercises sustained over a period typically promote cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and overall health by improving the heart's ability to pump blood and deliver oxygen throughout the body.