One of the first steps in maximizing the benefits of aerobics is to understand why you need to work out. Probably the first thing that comes to mind is weight control. However, working out not only helps you lose weight, it is also good for your overall health.

Aerobics has a tendency to relax your muscles; therefore, relieving you of stress. Research has also shown that regularly exercising increases the production of endorphins. A good cardio workout can strengthen your heart, while reducing your risks of developing diabetes.

Now that you know some of the benefits of aerobics, it is important to know how to properly workout. Start by working out at the same time each day, totaling at least 2 hours a week. Setting a routine will help make your aerobic workout more of a habit than a chore. The more you work out, the easier it will be to actually work out.

In order to create total body fitness, you will need to incorporate both aerobics and strength training. In order to burn more calories, you need to build up your muscles. It takes less energy to move fat.

When first starting out, try to get in three workouts a week. Start with a short warm up, generally lasting 5-10 minutes. Follow the warm up with a strength training routine. Then, go into some more light aerobics for approximately 20 minutes. It is important to be careful to not overdo it when you start, since your motivation levels will be low if you strain muscles in your first workouts. It is equally important to realize that you are not going to see results immediately -- give it time! It took time to put those extra pounds on, and it will take take to get them off.

As you become more accustomed to working out, you can interchange your workout. One day do strength training and one day do aerobics. Keep in mind to not over do it. If you feel you need to take a day off or lessen the workout, be sure to do so.

You will want to increase your intensity slowly to avoid exhaustion. By starting slow and working your way up, you will also avoid extreme soreness and improve your fitness and health.

As a rule of thumb, you will want to do each set of strength training 8-12 times. Once you have mastered the particular exercise, try increasing the weight. Challenging yourself will not only improve the benefits of aerobics, but it will also keep you from getting bored. This also allows your muscles to build by requiring more of them, instead of doing something they can do easily.

Another technique is to find a workout partner. Having someone to workout with will keep you moving. A workout buddy will increase your motivation and make you more accountable for your workouts.

Working out can be very beneficial to your overall health. By learning proper techniques for working out you can greatly increase those benefits. The most important thing is to start off slow and gradually work your way up.