Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Exercise: Which is Best? |
Posted: September 28, 2017 |
All too often, when people start a new workout regimen, they choose one of two types of workouts: aerobic or anaerobic. The problem with these methodologies is that neither form of exercise provides the full benefits of the other. Without some form of both aerobic and anaerobic exercise in a person's life, optimum health and wellness is difficult to achieve. Aerobic Exercise: Definition & Benefits During aerobic exercise, the body utilizes oxygen to release energy from its stores and deliver it to muscles and other bodily systems. Aerobic exercise is performed at a steady pace over a prolonged duration of time. Thus, it requires and helps to build endurance. Examples of aerobic exercises include jogging, running, bicycling and swimming. Aerobic exercise benefits the cardiovascular system by improving the body's ability to transport and absorb oxygen. As such, it helps reduce one's risk of developing certain cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, stroke or high blood pressure. Additionally, aerobic exercise helps to strengthen immune system function. This is due, in part, to the body expelling excess toxic carbon dioxide through the increased respiration produced to sustain the exercise state. There are even some forms of cancer that aerobic exercise helps to prevent and combat. One of the most common uses of aerobic exercise might well be for its weight-loss benefits. Since the body produces energy for aerobic exercise by converting it from its stores of glycogen and fat, one's excess body fat is literally "burned up" in the act of performing aerobic exercise. Anaerobic Exercise: Definition & Benefits During anaerobic exercise, the body utilizes energy from sources other than respiration. Predominantly, these are food sources. Anaerobic exercises are short and high in intensity with periods of rest in between intervals of training. Examples of anaerobic exercise include weightlifting and sprinting. As a high-intensity form of exercise, anaerobic activity is difficult to sustain over long periods. This is because the body releases lactic acid under periods of such intense activity, which causes soreness and fatigue. But although, for this reason, anaerobic exercise can only be performed in short bursts, it is still essential for overall health and wellness. Anaerobic exercise helps to improve physical power and strength by building bone density and lean muscle mass. Perhaps the most common reason people perform anaerobic exercise is that it helps to build lean muscle mass. Like aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise also improves cardiovascular health and burns fat. However, because it can only be done in short intervals, anaerobic exercise cannot provide sufficient cardiovascular and fat-burning benefits to preclude doing aerobic exercise as well. Since anaerobic exercise draws energy from food, the nutritiousness and digestibility of the foods eaten are key factors in how effective and beneficial the exercise may be. For this reason, a healthy meal plan is instrumental in performing anaerobic exercise healthfully and safely. Combining Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercises In an exercise system called Interval Training an individual alternates between periods of aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Studies have found that this form of exercise produces increased health and fitness benefits over either form of exercise performed independently. One specific and significant benefit of alternating intervals of aerobic and anaerobic exercises during a workout is that, during the long, sustained periods of aerobic exercise, the body releases the built-up lactic acid it accumulated during the high-intensity bursts of anaerobic exercise. Without this opportunity to dispel that excess, a body can easily become tired and fatigued after just a short session of exercise. Trusted health and wellness authorities like the American Heart Association recommend alternating aerobic and anaerobic exercises during a workout. Conclusion By employing both aerobic exercises and anaerobic exercises in your regular workout routine, you can enjoy the cardiovascular and weight-loss benefits they both provide. You can also build both power and endurance. You can strengthen your immune system and stave off certain cancers. When it comes to total health and wellness, interval training offers you the best of both worlds.
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