aerobic
air-OH-bik
/eˈrəʊbɪk/
relating to, involving, or requiring free oxygen.
In fitness, it refers to 'steady-state' exercise where the heart can supply enough oxygen to the muscles for long periods.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century by Louis Pasteur to describe bacteria that live only in the presence of oxygen. It literally means 'air-life'. It wasn't applied to exercise until the 1960s.
Word relationships
- cardio: The informal, gym-slang synonym for aerobic exercise.
- anaerobic: Relating to or requiring an absence of free oxygen.
Commonly confused with
- aerobics: 'Aerobic' is the adjective; 'Aerobics' is the specific noun for a type of group exercise class popular in the 1980s.
Collocations
- aerobic exercise
- aerobic capacity
- aerobic fitness
Example sentences
- "Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, is vital for maintaining a healthy weight." A fitness recommendation.
- "Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to survive and break down organic matter." A biological fact.
Memory hook
Aerobic: 'Air-o-bic'—you need 'air' to do it. With oxygen.
When not to use
Don't use it for sprinting or heavy lifting (those are anaerobic).
Fun facts
- The term 'aerobics' was popularized by Dr. Kenneth Cooper in 1968 to describe a system of exercise he developed for the Air Force.
Related words
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