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

Gilad Janklowicz, a fitness instructor whose signature syndicated TV program Bodies In Motion brought daily exercise routines to viewers newly dazzled by the exercise and aerobics movement of the 1980s and ’90s, died Tuesday, June 9. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 June 2026

The aerobics students of Pécs Sports School will not be participating in the weekend competition days of the Hungarian Cup following the incident. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026

As for the pools themselves, there is the eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool for lap swim, while the second, six-lane infinity pool is reserved for lighter workouts, such as classes in water walking and aqua aerobics. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

But the former collegiate swimmer and aerobics instructor was none of those. —Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 27 May 2026

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