5 Things You Need to Know About Anaerobic Exercise

1. Builds Stronger Muscles

Because of its high intensity and recruitment of muscles, anaerobic exercise builds muscle mass. Muscle burns more calories than fat. It still aids the cardiovascular system, albeit not quite as much as lower-intensity workouts. However, the fact that it builds muscle mass and strength better balances its shortfall . A good mix of the two types of workouts is advisable in a regular workout schedule.

2. Increases Your Max VO2

Max VO2 is the most oxygen a person can consume during exercise. Anaerobic exercise is the best way to increase this. Anaerobic exercise uses muscle stores, and not oxygen, to fuel the muscles. This improves cardio efficiency. Max VO2 is important to endurance athletes who depend on their muscles to perform at high levels with no oxygen. Sprinters, cyclists who do time trials, and weight lifters who lift max weights and reps all benefit from Max VO2.

3. Provides Better Waste System Performance

Ever heard of lactic acid? Anaerobic exercise aids in the removal of lactic acid and other wastes. Exercising regularly at this level helps the body process lactic acid more efficiently and remove it from the bloodstream, as well as lowering the overall production of the waste product. Since lactic acid is what fatigues muscles, anaerobic exercise can help athletes work out longer during regular cardiovascular sessions. A body better equipped to handle lactic acid endures harder workouts better.

4. Beginners Beware

Anaerobic exercise consists of short bursts of high-intensity activity with short rest periods. This causes discomfort due to the lactic acid in the muscles. Due to this, it is not advisable for pregnant women or those with medical conditions to exercise anaerobically. Working up to anaerobic exercise is a good idea, since high-intensity exercise too early can lead to injury.

5. Achieve Anaerobic Exercise Levels

Any training you do in intervals that requires extreme effort can help you reach anaerobic levels. Weight training, sprints, hill work and isometric intervals are just a few examples of exercise capable of making you reach anaerobic exercise levels. Since anaerobic exercise can only be performed for short periods of time, alternate between high and low intensity. Also, warm up properly before beginning the anaerobic portion of your workout, and remember to stretch well afterward to prevent injury.

Last updated on: Nov 19, 2009

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