What’s the Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercises?
There are two main kinds of exercise - aerobic and anaerobic. Both kinds are necessary for total fitness. Everyone - men, women and children - should all consider the two main types of training and incorporate them into their exercise schedules on a regular basis.
Aerobic Exercise
Most everyone knows about aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise classes were made popular more than two decades ago. This was about the time that researchers determined the importance of aerobic exercise to total body health. The term aerobic means "with oxygen" and describes exercise that generates the use of oxygen in the body. There are many types of aerobic exercises including running, biking and dancing. Many outdoor activities can be done in the warm months to help make the workout more enjoyable.
Aerobic exercise generally starts with a short warm-up period followed by the exercise itself and then a cool-down period. These warm-up and cool-down periods are necessary to help the body slowly achieve peak performance. Heart rate is used to determine the best pace for each person to use when they exercise. Consult a heart rate chart before beginning your workout and check your heart rate during exercise. A heart rate monitor can be used to help make sure that you are performing at the proper level or you can check your own heart rate by taking your pulse. The typical amount of time that is needed for peak performance is to spend 20 minutes at your target heart rate.
Anaerobic Exercise
Anaerobic exercise is a type of exercise that doesn't use extra oxygen. These types of exercises are done more slowly - you won't noticeably get out of breath. Anaerobic exercises include strength training or weight lifting. Anaerobic exercises help the body to produce more muscle. Building up muscle tissue helps us to stay healthy, especially as we age. The body needs to keep plenty of muscle tissue. You may be tempted to skip these types of exercises for fear of developing large or unsightly muscles. Controlling exercise will keep your muscles at a proper size. It is important to understand that strength training helps the body burn fat thus helping to keep a toned and physically fit body.
Strength training is important to keeping the body strong even as we age. As the body gets older it loses much of its strength, especially if muscles are allowed to atrophy through lack of use. This can leave the body weak and allows it not to function at its peak. Another important part of anaerobic exercise is muscle tone. Toning keeps the body in proper shape and thus functioning at its best.
Starting A Workout Routine
It's never too late to start a workout routine. Everyone needs to start slowly and only do what he or she can comfortably do at each workout. Be sure to combine both types of exercise into your weekly routine. Older individuals, those with existing medical problems or those who have not exercised recently should begin very gradually. There are many exercises that can be done to get you started. Try taking a walk around the block or try some simple exercises while sitting in a chair. Always get a physical exam and discuss your new workout routine with your doctor before you begin.
Further Reading:
- Exercises for Adults: Getting Fit, Fast!
- Health and Fitness Article: Get Fit and Feel Great with Exercise!
- Exercise is a daily routine in my life.
- Healthy Living and Exercise: Live to be 100!
- Exercises for Toddlers: Healthy Living for Kids
Tags: Exercise Affirmations, exercise programs, family health, fitness, the importance of exercise, Weight Loss
Rate This:
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Email This Post
