Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercisesby Dr. Rose Windale

Aerobic exercise does not necesarrily mean all heavy exercises. In fact, some forms of strenuous exercise is anaerobic and affects the body in a different way. If you are starting out on a new exercise regimen, it would be a good idea to find out the difference bewteen aerobic exercise and what is anaerobic. Such knowledge will help you with what exercises to do and how to do them properly. By aerobic exercise, it means “with oxygen”, whereas anaerobic means otherwise-“without oxygen”. With anaerobic exercise, cellular tissues generate energy without relying on oxygen availability. The distiction between aerobic exercise and anaerobic is that aerobic exercise needs significant production of oxygen supply while anaerobic does not.

Aerobic exercise is more prolonged that’s why it requires considerable amounts of oxygen. Oxygen is utilized by the muscles to burn fat and glucose is necessary for the manufacturing of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. ATP is the fundamental transport of all body cells. Initially during aerobic exercise, glycogen is changed into glucose, and as glucose is diminished, fat is metabolized as fuel. Endorphins are released in the brain during the “runner’s high” which happens when the muscles depend only on oxygen as the glycogen in the muscles have been used up. Anaerobic exercise doesn't have time to depend on oxygen, that's why it is brief and quick.

The muscles being used rely on energy- producing means that don’t significantly need oxygen in anaerobic activities. To produce stamina, the body metabolizes glycogen in the muscles instead. Blood sugar in the body provides glycogen. Aerobic exercise tones body muscle and eliminates fat. Aerobic exercise doesn’t merely make you look trim and toned, but would also give you several health benefits: - strengthening of the heart, thereby increasing pumping efficiency and lowering heart rate resting - improving circulation and decreasing blood pressure - strengthening respiratory muscles thereby boosting lung capacity - increasing red blood cell count making them deliver oxygen more effectively all throughout the body - reducing the risk of heart diseases Anaerobic exercise, however, gives the body more power and stamina.

This may be helpful in sports like sprint, football or basketball. Anaerobically conditioned muscles develop in another way, boosting power in sudden, high-intensity moments. Other benefits are: - strengthening of the the bones - increasing muscle strength and mass - reducing muscle atrophy that goes with age - increasing speed and power Exercises like cycling, swimming, running, walking, rowing and cross-country skiing are some forms of aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise requires a sustained heart rate and moderate effort.Other home exercises such as using the treadmill and exercise bike or going with a home video are also aerobic. For the outdoors, you may do snow-shoeing, hiking or kayaking.

Tennis, weight lifting, sprinting and jumping, on the other hand are anaerobic in nature. To achieve a total balanced fitness, it is best to combine doing both anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Anaerobic activities is a good complement to aerobic exercise as it will add definition and tone to the physical result of aerobic exercise. It is wise to check with your physician before starting an exercise program. Do your exercises gradually over time with increasing intensity. Don’t overdo it as you might injure yourself. Most importantly, a daily exercise routine must be coupled with a balanced diet and sufficient amounts of sleep for optimum health.

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