aerobics

plural noun aer·o·bics \ -biks \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 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

The water aerobics program takes place three days a week at the Pembroke Lakes Pool and costs $3 per 45 minute class or $50 for a total of 20 classes.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Pembroke Pines offering swim lessons at three locations," 22 June 2018
DAILY Plantation Aquatic Complex Swim classes for ages 6 months to adults, private lessons, springboard dive classes, lifeguard certifications, water safety instructor certifications and water aerobics.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Sunrise area events July 18-28," 13 July 2018
Zumba Zumba was once the top dance aerobics fitness fad in the country.

— USA TODAY, "The biggest exercise fad the year you were born," 12 July 2018
Workouts include cardio, weights, cross-fit and aerobics.

— michelle c. brooks, ajc, "Rowland Zellars II, 34, of Stockbridge lost 92 pounds," 10 July 2018
These include weekly activities such as water aerobics and Story Time, and big special events like community-wide picnics, outdoor movie parties and holiday celebrations.

— Houston Chronicle, "Elyson offers lakefront living from five leading home builders," 24 June 2018
In just a few short years, the fitness and aerobics movement wormed its way out of California and into pop culture.

— nicholas smith, Time, "How Jane Fonda Helped Inspire Reebok’s Freestyle Fitness Sneaker," 30 Apr. 2018
From swim team, softball, basketball, running, tennis, and soccer to weightlifting, bicycling, water aerobics, yoga, and dance.

— jes baker, SELF, "Nope, I’m Not Trying to Lose Weight," 26 June 2018
Water aerobics classes take place at the Pembroke Lakes Pool, 10500 Taft Street at 9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Pembroke Pines offering swim lessons at three locations," 22 June 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