Aerobic Fitness

Definition - What does Aerobic Fitness mean?

Aerobic fitness is a measure of the body's capacity to transport and utilize oxygen. Testing for aerobic fitness identifies the efficiency with which the body can transport oxygen in the blood to the heart where it is distributed to the muscles, and the capacity of the muscles to use the oxygen received. Aerobic fitness is influenced by physical exercise, age, gender, heart and lung health, and genetics.

WorkplaceTesting explains Aerobic Fitness

Aerobic fitness comprises two facets of the body's capability. At its core is the capacity of the lungs, heart and vascular system to transport oxygen through the bloodstream to the muscles. The secondary aspect is the ability of the muscle cells to obtain oxygen from the blood. The oxygen obtained from the blood is used to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the body's basic unit of energy.

Aerobic fitness is measured during physical exercise. Results can be given as either peak work capacity (Wpeak) or oxygen consumption at peak exercise (VO2peak). It does decrease with age and lifestyle choices. Good aerobic fitness can minimize the chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems.