Absolutely. Although aerobic exercise burns far more calories, and a higher percentage fat calories, than strength or anaerobic training, weight lifting, or resistance training, increases your lean body mass. Muscle tissue is metabolically active. It uses as much as 45 calories per pound per day to sustain itself. The more muscle tissue you have, the higher your resting metabolism. Even when watching television, the local gym rat burns more calories than their couch potato neighbor.

Yes and...maybe. Aerobic exercise is simply exercise that improves oxygenation of the blood through an increased heart rate and deeper breathing. Yoga can do that, especially those styles such as Astanga and ViniYoga that have a strong focus on the flow of one posture to another. (Top)

The word aerobic literally means "with oxygen" or "in the presence of oxygen." Aerobic exercise is any activity that rhythmically uses large muscle groups. Aerobic activity increases the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system's ability to deliver oxygen more quickly and efficiently to the body. As the heart muscle becomes stronger and more efficient, a larger amount of blood can be pumped with each stroke thereby decreasing the number of strokes required for oxygen transport.

Perhaps. If you haven't already been exercising regularly and have any of the following characteristics, you should check with your doctor for a fitness evaluation. If you ... The fitness evaluation will primarily determine if you're at risk for a heart attack if you exercise. The evaluation may include analyzing your blood for signs of disease, measuring your blood pressure and percent of body fat and measuring the electrical activity of your heart while exercising (an EKG).

Make sure the power cord is not underneath the bike or in any other area where it can become pinched or cut.

During aerobic exercise the muscles work mostly with fats and oxygen. The amount of lactic acid remains on a fair level. During anaerobic exercise the muscles use more carbohydrates and work without oxygen. The amount of lactic acid rises steeply and the exercise is so intense that the individual can only keep it up for a few minutes before having to quit because of fatigue.

Once your incisions are healed and you feel up to it, you can go swimming usually after three weeks. Only do a gentle freestyle, flutter kick, face up or face down. If this bothers your leg you can support both legs with floats and just do the upper body. Doing upper body weight training with lighter than usual weights and many, fairly quick reps might get your heart rate up.

For the courtesy of others, be on time. Allow extra time to fill out a medical information sheet if this is your first visit. Bring dark glasses in case your eyes are dilated following treatment. Arrange for a ride home if you are advised to do so, or if you feel more comfortable.

All routine fitness classes are included in the cost of your Wellness Center membership. You don't have to sign up for a class, but we recommend introducing yourself to the instructor the first time, so he or she may get acquainted with you. Class schedules are available at the Service Desk and are posted outside the classroom doors.

Most people can and should exercise. However, there are individuals who should get their doctor's permission prior to beginning an exercise program. Anyone with an unstable medical condition will want to seek an exercise prescription from their doctor. Injury may also require an individual to wait for the healing to be complete prior to beginning exercise.

Answer: You should avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting (over 15 pounds) for two weeks after the procedure.