Aerobic vs. Anaerobic- the Benefits of Each

Mar15
by admin on March 15, 2012 at 11:33 am
Posted In: Fitness

Aerobic and anaerobic- what’s the difference?

Aerobic exercise requires the body to utilize oxygen to create energy. With anaerobic exercise, the body creates energy without extra oxygen- your body relys on its natural chemicals to create the energy.

Benefits of aerobic activity

When you are engaged in aerobic activities (walking, running, swimming, canoeing) you breathe heavier and use more oxygen. When this happens, your heart beats faster, your blood flow increases which means the oxygen going to and from your muscles increases as well. Your capillaries are what bring the oxygen to your muscles and take away the waste (carbon dioxide, lactic acid) essentially “cleaning” your muscles. Also through this process you help build up your immune system and rid your body of toxins which will help you “ward off illnesses”.

Aerobic activity 3-5 times a week will help strengthen your heart and help it pump blood more efficiently and help it get to and from your muscles more efficiently and effectively. Aerobic exercise is a key component in losing weight and keeping it off, reducing heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes- just to name a few :)

Your body also releases endorphins which are a natural pain killer and “mood enhancer”. The release of endorphins help reduce anxiety and stress, help you sleep better and can help ward off depression.

So get movin!

Benefits of anaerobic activity

Anaerobic means “without oxygen” and strength training is the most effective method of anaerobic exercise. Loss of lean muscle mass can begin in your early 20s if your not careful. When you lose lean muscle mass, your metabolism slows down, your strength weakens and your “functional fitness” can decrease- which can lead to you getting hurt while engaging in everyday activities like taking the stairs. But guess what? You can also gain the muscle back! Introduce strength training. It helps rebuild that muscle mass, strengthen not only your muscles but also your bones, increase your metabolism and lower your body fat. The more lean muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism which means the more calories you burn (when you are resting, and when you’re working out! Read my article about metabolism for more info)

Strength training at least twice a week also helps prevent cardiovascular disease, obesity, arthritis, lower back pain and type 2 diabetes to name a few.

“Strength training” is often an intimidating term, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into “heavy lifting”. Strength training can be lunges with 5lb weights, squats, push-ups, whatever! You can use weights or your body weight will work as well!

To good health!

Casey

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