The Benefits of Aerobic Training: Why It Matters in Rehab and Beyond
At Personal-Physio, we believe in treating the whole person—not just the injury. One of the most powerful and often overlooked tools in rehab and long-term health is aerobic training.
But what exactly is it, and why should it be part of your physiotherapy journey?
What Is Aerobic Training?
Aerobic training refers to continuous, rhythmic activities that raise your heart rate and improve your body’s ability to use oxygen. It includes activities like:
- Brisk walking
- Jogging
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Circuit-based cardio
This type of exercise primarily uses the aerobic energy system, relying on oxygen to produce energy over sustained periods. It differs from anaerobic training, which includes shorter, high-intensity bursts like sprinting or heavy lifting.
Why Is Aerobic Training Important?
The benefits of aerobic training are far-reaching—not only for general health, but also for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Here’s why it matters:
1. Cardiovascular Health
Regular aerobic training lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It improves the efficiency of your heart and lungs, helping you recover faster after physical exertion.
2. Improved Pain Modulation
Research shows that aerobic exercise can help modulate pain via endogenous opioid mechanisms—meaning it actually improves your pain tolerance and reduces perception of chronic pain.
3. Boosted Mental Health
Aerobic exercise stimulates endorphins and serotonin—helping reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves sleep quality, focus, and energy levels.
4. Supports Rehabilitation
In physiotherapy, aerobic exercise improves blood flow to injured tissues, enhances healing, and reduces deconditioning during recovery phases. It also builds baseline capacity, so you’re more resilient to future setbacks.
What Does the Evidence Say?
According to the NICE guidelines and UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Recommendations, adults should aim for:
- 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week,
or - 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity per week
In rehabilitation, studies support the use of low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise as a treatment tool for conditions like:
- Chronic low back pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-surgical recovery
- Neurological rehabilitation
Systematic reviews show that aerobic exercise, even as simple as walking or cycling, can improve pain, function, and overall quality of life.
How We Use Aerobic Conditioning at Personal-Physio
At Personal-Physio, we incorporate aerobic and anaerobic conditioning into our gym-based rehab and personal training programmes—tailored to your injury, fitness level, and goals.
Whether you’re:
- Recovering from a knee surgery
- Managing back pain
- Training for a sport or event
- Trying to regain everyday function
—we’ll help you build a progressive aerobic plan that supports your rehab and performance.
We often blend aerobic work with:
- Strength and mobility training
- Interval circuits (anaerobic bursts)
- Low-impact cardio options (for joint-sensitive rehab)
- Pacing and energy management techniques
Final Thoughts
Aerobic training is a cornerstone of health and recovery. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, returning to sport, or simply looking to move better—building aerobic fitness is a game changer.
At Personal-Physio, we’re here to guide you safely and effectively—combining the best of physiotherapy, exercise science, and personalised care.
Need help getting started with aerobic training in your rehab journey?
Book your assessment or gym rehab session today.
