Unit 1 More reading. For health and beauty. Read the article below from a website on exercise. Aerobics is one of the most beneficial and also one of the most beautiful forms of exercise. Any physical activity that makes your pulse get quicker and your breathing get deeper is a kind of aerobic exercise. The word 'aerobic' means 'with oxygen 1 or 'having oxygen'. Aerobic exercise therefore aims at making the heart and lungs work at a higher rate so as to supply more oxygen to the muscles. The benefits of aerobic exercise include having a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, stronger bones, better sleep, less body fat, more energy and less stress. It is suggested that you do aerobic exercise for twenty to forty minutes, three to four times a week. Only then will you begin to reach your optimal level of general fitness. When you exercise, the speed at which your heart beats, or your pulse rate, tells you how intense your workout is. People who are not fit but want to lose weight should keep their pulse rates low and do moderate exercise for a longer time. People who are quite fit can do exercises that require large amounts of energy. They can even compete in marathons. There are many forms of aerobic exercise, including running, swimming, cycling and skiing. Walking is the most common form of aerobic exercise. Most people do it every day! It is low intensity and is recommended for beginners. Running is suitable for almost everyone, but it is important to remember not to overdo it. You must pace yourself and always wear good quality shoes. By doing this type of balanced, relaxing exercise, our responses get quicker, our mind sharper, and we become more efficient and productive. To sum up, aerobic exercise is good for everyone. It can lead to a better quality of life!