Types of Aerobic & Anaerobic Exercise

Types of Aerobic & Anaerobic Exercise
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Aerobic exercise requires the use of oxygen to produce energy. Anaerobic exercise, on the other hand, does not use oxygen to provide energy. It concentrates on glycogen stores and is usually a type of workout that is short but intense. Aerobic exercise is good for reducing the blood pressure, alleviating depression and strengthening your heart, according to MayoClinic.com. Anaerobic exercise is good for building and strengthening the muscles and bones. Both types of exercises can help you lose weight; aerobic exercises increase the heart rate and burn fat. Anaerobic exercises build muscle, which can help the body burn fat even when you are at rest.

Sprinting

Sprinting is a type of anaerobic exercise. It can strengthen your muscles and make them more powerful. You can sprint over various distances, between 60 and 400 m. Sprinting can help you build up your leg muscles and increase your metabolic rate. You can sprint in your back yard, in the park or around the block. You should always stretch your muscles thoroughly before sprinting to avoid injury.

Weightlifting

Weightlifting is also classified as a form of anaerobic exercise. It makes your muscles and bones stronger, builds muscle and decreases the risk of arthritis, back pain and osteoporosis, according to the The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. There are different types of weightlifting; you can perform high-intensity, fast bursts of weightlifting with heavy weights. Or you can do circuit training, which involves some aerobic exercise, and lifting very light weights for a longer period of time. It is vital that you allow your muscles to recover after a weightlifting training session. Your muscle tissues have to heal and reconnect, as this is what makes them stronger, according to Bodybuilding.com.

Walking and Jogging

Walking and jogging are examples of aerobic exercise. You can walk or jog around the block, and you can even jog on the spot if you don't want to leave the house. Walking is a low-impact workout that can help you to lose weight and get fit, according to MayoClinic.com. You can walk fast or at a medium pace; always remember to warm up your muscles by walking slowly for about five minutes first.

Jump Rope

Jump rope or skipping is another form of aerobic activity. You can jump rope at home, either in the back yard or indoors, depending on how big your house is. All you need is a rope, which makes jump rope an affordable way of keeping fit. Jumping rope can help you improve your fitness, and it burns more calories than most other forms of aerobic exercise. Boxers use skipping to improve their stamina, balance and speed.

References

Article reviewed by Bryn Bellamy Last updated on: Dec 18, 2010

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