An exercise measurement system devised by Dr. Kenneth Cooper in the 1960's. The goal is to improve cardiovascular health by doing exercises that require significant amounts of oxygen to be used. The aerobics point system lets you determine how much exercise you should be doing to achieve a useful benefit. Their are point formulas for all sorts of activies. Jogging gives the most points in the least amount of time, but most other endurance sports can be used as part of an exercise program.
To give an example, a man getting 31-49 points a week is considered to be in good condition. If he can run 2 miles in less than 16 minutes 4 times a week he has at least 36 points. Or he may ride a bike 7 miles 4 times a week in less than 28 minutes and also get 36 points.
The term was later adopted by those dancing on a mat. This is aerobic activity, but a much more restrictive actity. Real aerobics provides a broad range of exercise choices.