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

In 1982, the Reebok Freestyle sneaker arrived as one of the first women’s white sneakers, popularized by Jane Fonda’s aerobics videos. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025

Water aerobics aids in circulation, reduces swelling, assists lymph movement, and helps to make the cardiovascular system more efficient, Sherlock said. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 9 Apr. 2025

Is Pony Sweat, or any other dance aerobics practice, necessarily cool in the traditional sense of the word? —Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 June 2025

The six-time All-Star led that morning’s aerobics class. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 18 May 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