There is a simple difference between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. When you engage in aerobic exercise, your body depends on oxygen for some of the energy needed to complete a sustained workout. However, your body does not rely on oxygen to complete anaerobic exercise. Although they constitute different types of exercise, activities requiring both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism are necessary for complete, well-rounded fitness.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is that which you perform over an extended period of time. For example, a steady jogging workout requires your body to use oxygen to produce the energy needed to complete that exercise. To be aerobic, your workout will focus on energy expenditure at an intensity level requiring your heart to beat within your target heart rate zone. Maintaining this intensity over time -- for example, 30 minutes -- requires your body to use energy produced by using oxygen. Aerobic exercise includes walking, biking, swimming and running.
Benefits of Aerobic Exercise
There are several benefits associated with aerobic exercise. You may notice weight loss, particularly if you maintain a healthy diet, because engaging in aerobic exercise burns calories, thereby increasing metabolism. Even small reductions in your weight can lower your risk of developing diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Another result of aerobic exercise is that your heart will become stronger and work more efficiently over time, thereby increasing your exercise tolerance and resting heart rate. Other benefits of regular aerobic exercise include improved mood, a stronger immune system and increased overall stamina.
Anaerobic Exercise
Anaerobic exercises increase muscle mass and strength, as well as your body's ability to accomplish tasks requiring short bursts of energy and lasting generally no longer than two minutes. Your body does not use oxygen during anaerobic exercise; therefore, this is not a type of exercise performed over a prolonged duration of time. Examples of anaerobic exercise include strength training through weightlifting; sprinting; or participating in a baseball game.
Benefits of Anaerobic Exercise
Like aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise increases your stamina. Rather than the stamina needed to complete a long workout, however, anaerobic exercise increases your ability to perform tasks requiring strength and speed. As you age, engaging in regular anaerobic activity can slow down, and even reverse, the natural process of increasing body fat and decreasing muscle mass. Moderate weightlifting can help you manage such diseases as osteoporosis by increasing your bone density.
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