What type of exercise primarily improves aerobic capacity?

Endurance training is the type of exercise that primarily improves aerobic capacity. This form of training involves activities that increase the ability of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to muscles during prolonged physical activity. When engaging in endurance exercises, such as running, cycling, or swimming, the body becomes more efficient at utilizing oxygen, which enhances aerobic endurance.

Improving aerobic capacity is crucial for athletes and individuals looking to enhance their overall fitness, as it allows for longer periods of activity without fatigue. As the body adapts to regular endurance training, improvements in heart rate, lung function, and energy metabolism occur, contributing to better performance in activities that require sustained effort.

Other forms of training, such as resistance training, focus more on building muscle strength and endurance rather than specifically targeting aerobic capacity. Flexibility training aims to enhance the range of motion in joints and muscles, while plyometric training emphasizes explosive power and speed, neither of which are solely designed to improve aerobic capacity like endurance training does.