• Aerobic exercise takes many forms.Sport Center 3 image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
  
  Aerobic exercise, as the name implies, is meant to increase your heart and breathing rates. Aerobic workouts for beginners often start with stair climbing or step machines, but it could also mean riding a bike, rowing a boat or energetic dance routines. Set yourself goals for your aerobics program, and progress from simple aerobic workouts to more complicated mixed routines.
  
  

Stair Climbing

• According to the Weight Loss Center website, one of the best beginner aerobic workouts is something that's simple to do, such as climbing stairs or steps. You have the option of simply moving upward at a consistent rate or using a small set of steps in a fashion similar to a step machine. Start with a single flight of stairs and gradually increase the number of times you climb it as your stamina improves. Record your best times for completing a flight, and set up a routine that slowly demands more from you. Step machines simulate stairs and have the advantage of being easily worked into a dance routine to increase the exertion while making the workout more enjoyable.
  
  

Exercise Machines

• Rowing machines and exercise bikes are two of the most common exercise machines, and both provide an intense full-body aerobic workout that builds stamina. For those looking for a low-impact aerobic program, rowing and ski machines are suitable to maintain or increase stamina and are used in rehabilitation programs to build muscular control and heart strength. Some exercise machines such as rowers and stationary bikes have built-in programs that help you meet your fitness goals by automatically increasing the demands of the machine and then providing short periods of reduced exertion.
  
  

Dancing as Exercise

• Dancing has aerobic benefits, requiring the use of several different muscular groups and short periods of intense exercise. One advantage of dance is that the tempo changes from one song to the next and offers the opportunity to modify the pace as desired. Dancing can include choreographed routines or simply mimicking the latest dance moves, and it is one of the few forms of aerobic exercise that is perfectly suited to couples and singles alike.
  
  

Aerobic Pole Dancing

• One form of dance that has gained popularity in recent years is the once controversial pole dance. Dance poles can either be a single vertical post or be installed in sets with hanging bars and trapeze swings, according to the All Pole Dancing website. Pole dancing has been shown to work all major muscle groups, firming the tummy and increasing muscle tone in the legs and upper torso. Dance poles can be found in dance and aerobics studios, and it is not uncommon for nightclubs or lounges to make their dance facilities available to local exercise organizations.