The words aerobic and anaerobic were originally used by bacteriologists to describe bacteria, but now they are used to designate different kinds of exercises. When you perform aerobic exercises you cause your body to create energy by using oxygen; however, the opposite is true of anaerobic exercises in which your body creates energy without using oxygen. Both aerobic and anaerobic exercises are essential for optimal health, and each have their own benefits.
Aerobic Exercises Involving Equipment
Aerobic exercise, also known as cardiovascular exercise, is any activity that is sustained for a long period of time, that is rhythmic and that affects large muscle groups. Aerobic exercise impacts the cardiovascular and circulatory system and makes your heart stronger and more efficient. Aerobics, step classes, water aerobics and swimming are examples of aerobic exercises involving the use of some type of equipment. Specific kinds of equipment that can be used specifically for aerobic exercises include treadmills, elliptical machines, bicycles and jump ropes. Also, active sports like football, soccer, basketball, hockey and such are great for aerobic exercises.
Aerobic Exercises Not Involving Equipment
Aerobic exercises can also be done without the use of equipment. Many people who do not have gym memberships or who do not want to purchase any kind of equipment engage in this option for aerobic exercise. Once again, aerobic exercises include activities that last for a long period of time with a high heart rate.
Jogging and running long distances are the most common forms of aerobic exercise that can be done without any kind of equipment. Another example of aerobic exercise, which is an alternative to jogging and running that many people actually find enjoyable and fun, is dancing. Specific kinds of dance include jazz, tap, hip hop and others.
Anaerobic Exercises Involving Equipment
Anaerobic exercise is any activity that is sustained for a short period of time that uses muscles at a high intensity. These exercises use resistance to build muscle and even bone as an additional benefit. While most people think that aerobic exercises are more beneficial for health, anaerobic exercises are just as important. They raise your heart rate on a smaller scale; however, anaerobic exercises actually burn more calories than aerobic exercises based on a ratio of five to one and even up to as much as a ratio of seven to one. Also, while aerobic exercises burn 75 percent fat and 25 percent muscle, anaerobic exercises burn 100 percent fat.
A popular form of anaerobic exercise that includes the use of some kind of equipment is weight lifting. Weight lifting can be done using dumbbells and barbells. Machines that use resistance can also be effective forms of weight lifting.
Anaerobic Exercises Not Involving Equipment
Anaerobic exercises can also be done without having to use equipment. Sprinting is a common form of anaerobic exercise because it is a short distance, high energy activity rather than a long distance activity. Push-ups and pull-ups are also examples of anaerobic exercises that require no equipment. Although gyms usually have equipment that makes doing pull-ups more efficient, pull-ups can ultimately be done just about anywhere that the space and weight capacity is available.
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