When deciding on a weight-loss regimen, you may wonder about the difference between weight training and aerobic exercise and which is more beneficial. Both workouts are needed for good health and weight loss. Incorporate both into your workout routine for maximum results.
Aerobic Exercise Defined
According to the National Institutes of Health, aerobic exercise is characterized by the repeated movement of the large muscle groups in your body. The energy that is needed to perform aerobic exercise requires large amounts of oxygen. This increases your heart rate and blood flow, increasing the amount of oxygen moving through your body. Aerobic exercise often burns high numbers of calories, making it essential for weight loss.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Many people get a good aerobic workout doing things that they love. Brisk walking or jogging with your dog, playing with your kids, riding your bike, participating in a dance class--all aerobic exercises. They increase your heart rate and oxygen flow and burn calories at the same time. For maximum calorie burn, consider a indoor cycling class or a high-impact aerobics class.
Weight Training Defined
Weight training is training your muscles to become stronger and increase in size through repeated movements that require their use. These movements have to be made increasingly more difficult as the muscles become stronger, helping to build their strength further. Building and maintaining muscle like this burns calories, making it essential for weight loss. At rest, a body with muscle on it burns more calories than the same body covered in fat.
Weight-Training Exercises
Weight training doesn’t have to be boring. Experiment with different types of resistance to begin building muscle. Small hand weights can be a good start. Consider using cable machines if you attend a gym. Exercises that use your own body weight for resistance, such as pushups, also count as weight training. Experiment with different ways of working your muscles, to add variety to your workout and keep your muscles guessing.
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