Is there an immediate response to aerobic exercise?

by Meredith Seals
(Charlotte, NC)

When you train, there is an immediate physiological response. You will also adapt physiologically to aerobic training as you continue. I'm sure that you've noticed your heart rate go up as you exercise.

This is the first quick response that we receive. Your heart is pumping blood to muscles and organs, for use of energy, oxygen, and removing by-products. The lungs are equally as fast in response, which completes the cardio-vascular equation.


In physiological concepts there is an acronym, S.A.I.D., which stands for- specific adaption to increased demands. This merely states the obvious. As we engage in an activity like aerobic training, our bodies will adapt or adjust over time.


Capillaries for example, will actually increase from regular aerobic bouts. Since "caps" are oxygen delivering vessels to muscles, we begin to feel better during strenuous sessions of aerobics. Your heart becomes more efficient, lung capacity improves, and the "runners high" in your brain hooks you into coming back for more!


author, Meredith Seals,
former Physical Education teacher/Cross-Country coach