aerobics

[ uh-roh-biks ]

noun

1. Also called aer·o·bic ex·er·cis·es [uh, -, roh, -bik , ek, -ser-sahy-ziz]. (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.

aerobics

/ ɛəˈrəʊbɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular any system of sustained exercises designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood and strengthen the heart and lungs

aerobics

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

Notes

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.

Derived Forms

• aerˈobicist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerobics¹

1965–70; aerobic, -ics; probably shortened from aerobic exercises on the model of calisthenics

Example Sentences

While it was far from the force it had been in the 1980s, when it dominated the US market at the height of the aerobics era, the brand still had the potential for a turnaround.

From Quartz

The reasons for Sheila’s love for aerobics, for instance, are never spelled out, and it may well be that she herself doesn’t understand the fullness of its power over her.

From Washington Post

Byrne remembers that by the time she discovered what aerobics was—there was a morning show program called Aerobics Oz Style that used to air while she was growing up in Sydney—the fad was already considered dated.

From The Daily Beast

Their frustration with Reagan-era consumerism and complacency confronts them wherever they go, sometimes literally, like in the local business-destroying mall where Sheila goes and discovers an aerobics class.

From The Daily Beast

She was playing a frustrated ’80s housewife who discovers aerobics and uses it to build an empire that would be her ticket out of her humdrum life.

From The Daily Beast

Many dance instructors register their classes at gyms and teach women or men (separately) under the name of aerobics.

From The Daily Beast

They were up on their feet so often to applaud the Texas senator that his speech was practically an aerobics class.

From The Daily Beast

Then the locals arrived for water aerobics conducted by a Riviera coach in lurid pink-and-black Lycra to French pop.

From The Daily Beast

Whatever the current passion, it was obvious that the fasting and aerobics had been abandoned.

From The Daily Beast

People simply arrived for a weekend dance aerobics class and walked into a completely empty studio.

From The Daily Beast