aerobics

plural noun aer·o·bics \ -biks \

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Definition of aerobics

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

Recent Examples of aerobics from the Web

Today, seniors get their hearts pumping and enjoy social outings through mall walks, outdoor yoga classes, water aerobics or Latin dance classes.

— julie landry laviolette, miamiherald, "Do a dance. Play in the pool. Here’s how to keep fit as you age. | Miami Herald," 26 Mar. 2018
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs offers various programs including swim lessons, water aerobics and more.

— joshua sharpe, ajc, "DeKalb parks pool schedules announced," 23 May 2018
Smith emphasizes the especially inclusive effect that the jogging and aerobics boom had on the sneaker market.

— kate keller, Smithsonian, "A Brief History of America’s Obsession With Sneakers," 18 May 2018
John John The Contest, season 4, episode 11 This episode is universally praised as one of the best ever, but Elaine’s subplot obsession with John F. Kennedy Jr. in her aerobics class is brilliant. 13.

— charles curtis, For The Win, "The definitive ranking of the 44 all-time greatest 'Seinfeld' sports moments," 14 May 2018
Jane Fonda led the charge with her massively popular aerobics videos, accompanied by the rise of a multibillion-dollar empire of gyms and fitness centers.

— rachel newcomb, chicagotribune.com, "Americans have resolved to live forever or die in the attempt," 8 May 2018
Vixen at least brought the aerobics, but the feeling was not cut to.

— joe lynch, Billboard, "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 10, Ep. 7: Snatch Game, Melania Trump & Mermaid Realness," 4 May 2018
The result is a crowded stage—the choreography resembles a packed aerobics class—and the biggest, richest, most full-throated sound the show's likely ever had.

— deanna isaacs, Chicago Reader, "Lyric’s Jesus Christ is, indeed, a superstar," 1 May 2018
When participants in aerobics classes did wear sneakers, they were appropriated from other sports.

— nicholas smith, Time, "How Jane Fonda Helped Inspire Reebok’s Freestyle Fitness Sneaker," 30 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aerobics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.

Origin and Etymology of aerobics

aerob(ic) + -ics

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1967

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

AEROBICS Defined for English Language Learners

aerobics

noun

Definition of aerobics for English Language Learners

: a system of exercises often done by a group of people while music is playing : a system of aerobic exercises; also : aerobic exercises

Medical Dictionary

aerobics

noun plural aer·o·bics \ -biks \

medical Definition of aerobics

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