aerobics

plural noun

aer·​o·​bics ˌer-ˈō-biks 

1

singular or plural in construction : a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (such as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate

2

: aerobic exercises

Did you know?

This is a system of physical conditioning intended to improve the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen. Aerobic exercises, such as running, jogging, swimming, and dancing, stimulate heart and lung activity. To produce a benefit, aerobic training must raise the heart rate (pulse) to the exerciser’s training level for at least 20 minutes and include at least three sessions a week.

Examples of aerobics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some were comedic, like a moment when McKee, playing Annie in middle age, attends her first aerobics class. —Alex Marshall, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, a few seconds later, on the opposite pool deck, Jennifer noticed her instructor had turned her attention away from the water aerobics class. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025

Then, one magical day, the actress Jane Fonda wore a pair of Reeboks on TV to promote her aerobics video series. —Colin C. Campbell, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

That injection literally divided her into two bodies: the older one, and a younger, nubile one named Sue (Margaret Qualley), who got the job hosting Elisabeth’s old aerobics show and has rocketed onto the celebrity A-list. —Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

aerob(ic) + -ics

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aerobics

• step aerobics

Kids Definition

aerobics

singular or plural noun

aer·​o·​bics ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-biks 

ˌe(-ə)r-

: a system of exercises intended to improve the body's ability to take in and use oxygen

Medical Definition

aerobics

noun plural

aer·​o·​bics -biks 

1

singular or plural in construction : a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate

2

: aerobic exercises