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.