Simply put, aerobic exercise is also known as cardio exercise. This is because it works out your cardiovascular system, that being your heart and lungs. Cardio or aerobic exercise involves sustained activity that causes your heart and breathing rate to work at an increased rate for a prolonged period of time. Aerobic exercise also involves the pumping of oxygenated blood to the muscles that are working. This kind of exercise includes things like spinning, cycling, jogging, swimming, dancing, and other such activities.