Which of the following best describes aerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise is best described as an activity that improves cardiovascular function. This type of exercise involves continuous and rhythmic activities that elevate heart rate and promote increased oxygen consumption. Common examples include walking, running, swimming, and cycling. The primary goal of aerobic exercise is to enhance the efficiency of the heart, lungs, and circulatory system, which can lead to improved endurance, decreased resting heart rate, and overall better cardiovascular health.

While other types of exercise such as flexibility training, strength training, and mixed modalities may serve important fitness purposes, they do not specifically target cardiovascular function in the same way that aerobic exercise does. Flexibility exercises primarily enhance joint mobility and range of motion, strength training focuses on building muscle mass and strength, and combined strength and endurance training incorporates elements of both but lacks the singular focus on cardiovascular improvement that defines aerobic exercise.