Aerobic exercise refers to exercise that involves or improves oxygen consumption by the body. Aerobic means “in the presence of oxygen”, and refers to the use of oxygen in the body’s metabolic or energy-generating process. Many types of exercise are aerobic, and by definition are performed at moderate levels of intensity for extended periods of time.

You are running aerobically when you run slowly and comfortably and do not exceed the pace or distance for which you have recently trained. Here your muscles are strong enough to carry the load and there is enough oxygen available from the blood stream. The few waste products that are produced are easily taken away in the blood before building up and obstructing muscle function.

See more definitions in the Definitive Guide to Running Terms.

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