The intent of an aerobic workout is to give you a healthier heart and to help you lose weight. The best way to do this is to make sure you get your heart rate up to the right level and keep it there while working out.

The longer you workout, the more benefits you will get. A good aerobic workout is necessary to burn fat and lose weight. Ideally, you should do some sort of aerobic workout three times during the week for a half an hour each time.

For the best results, do a variety of exercises. That way your body won’t get used to one particular workout. Make sure you take the time to get warmed up and stretched out so you don’t get hurt while you exercise. Start by warming up with a brisk walk.

Once you have warmed up, increase your activity level to get your heart rate up to the right range. If you’re walking, walk a little faster and more briskly. After about 10 minutes, increase your pace or you may even jog. Keep this up for another 10 minutes or until you feel exhaustion.

Don’t stop completely. Slowly wind down instead. If you’re jogging, cool down by walking for a few minutes until your heart rate is almost back to normal. Remember that it is just as important to cool down as it is to warm up when exercising. That way your muscles and your body adjust after the strenuous activity.

Make sure to fit both warm up and cool down into your workout time. So if you’re working out for 30 minutes, you can slowly walk for 4 minutes, brisk walk for 10 minutes, jog or run for another 10 minutes, and slowly walk for 6 minutes.

If you use a machine for exercising, don’t get in the habit of using just one exercise machine at the gym or at home. Vary your workout. For instance, spend 15 minutes on the elliptical, the next 15 on the treadmill and then get on a stationary bike for your cool down workout.

If you can’t get to the gym, you can easily get a good work out at home. Even if you don’t have fancy exercise equipment, there are plenty of exercises you can do. If you buy workout videos, make sure they will hold your interest and that they include a many different exercises.

The more exercise you get, the better you will feel both mentally and physically. Exercise as often as possible for best results.