Lifetime Fitness Practice Test

Aerobic exercise is centered on activities designed to elevate the heart rate over an extended duration. This type of exercise engages large muscle groups and is performed at a moderate level of intensity, allowing individuals to sustain the activity for longer periods. Typical examples include running, cycling, swimming, and dancing. The primary physiological benefit of aerobic exercise is the improvement in cardiovascular endurance, as it enhances the body's ability to take in and utilize oxygen efficiently during prolonged physical activity.

Endurance exercises are a broader category that includes aerobic activities but can also incorporate other forms aimed at sustaining performance over time. Flexibility exercise focuses on enhancing the range of motion in the joints, while strength training is centered on building muscle mass and increasing overall strength. While strength training may impact heart rate, its primary goal is not to maintain an elevated heart rate for extended periods as aerobic exercise does. Thus, aerobic exercise is the specific type that directly aligns with the goal of raising the heart rate over an extended time.