aerobics

[ai-roh-biks] /ɛəˈroʊ bɪks/
noun
1.
Also called aerobic exercises. (used with a plural verb) any of various sustained exercises, as jogging, rowing, swimming, or cycling, that stimulate and strengthen the heart and lungs, thereby improving the body's utilization of oxygen.
2.
(used with a singular verb) a physical fitness program based on such exercises:
Aerobics is a good way to get your body in shape.
Origin
1965-70; see aerobic, -ics; probably shortened from aerobic exercises on the model of calisthenics
Examples from the web for aerobics
  • Participate in elephant aerobics and giraffe feeding.
  • We examine five claims about the supposed benefits of weight lifting and aerobics to see which carry the most weight.
  • These fractures are caused by overuse during strenuous exercise, particularly jogging and high-impact aerobics.
  • The routine continues with low-impact aerobics and exercises to promote flexibility.
  • Senors in this active community participate in everything from low impact aerobics, to a hiking club to lap swimming.
  • Activities include sailing, snorkeling, water aerobics and kayaking.
  • The resort has a swimming pool and hot tub, sports courts and scheduled activities such as water aerobics and poker tournaments.
British Dictionary definitions for aerobics

aerobics

/ɛəˈrəʊbɪks/
noun
1.
(functioning as sing) any system of sustained exercises designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and strengthen the heart and lungs
Derived Forms
aerobicist, noun
Word Origin and History for aerobics
n.

method of exercise and a fad in early 1980s, American English, coined 1968 by Kenneth H. Cooper, U.S. physician, from aerobic (also see -ics) on the notion of activities which require modest oxygen intake and thus can be maintained.

aerobics in Medicine

aerobics aer·o·bics (â-rō'bĭks)
n.

  1. A system of physical conditioning to enhance circulatory and respiratory efficiency that involves vigorous, sustained exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, thereby improving the body's use of oxygen.

  2. A program of physical fitness that involves such exercise.

aerobics in Culture
aerobics [(air-oh-biks)]

Exercise designed specifically to improve cardiovascular fitness and, subsequently, the body's use of oxygen. Also called aerobic exercise.

Note: The term aerobics usually refers to a specific kind of vigorous exercise, sometimes involving dance steps, that is set to music. Other forms of aerobic exercise include running, cycling, and swimming.