The Two Kinds of Workouts
Finding the right fitness regimen is the first step towards a fit way of life. Different kinds of workouts can help you lose or gain weight, improve muscle mass, flexibility or balance.
One of the most important choices that you will need to make is between aerobic and anaerobic workouts. These are both types of exercises that burn fat and boost your overall metabolism. But the similarities end there. The benefits you get from these workouts are completely different. Read on to get a clear picture of this.
It’s All About Oxygen
Aerobic exercises are low-intensity activities that you can sustain over extended periods of time. These include jogging, walking, cycling, dance workouts etc. Some forms of yoga, like power yoga, are also considered aerobic workouts. As the name aerobic suggests, these workouts allow sufficient oxygen intake, so all the energy needed to sustain the activity is obtained from oxygen and there is no need for additional energy from another source.
Anaerobic exercises are defined as high-intensity activities that are done for short periods of time. Examples of these include, weight training, burpees, rowing, high intensity interval training. During anaerobic exercise, your oxygen consumption is reduced. This causes a higher energy demand to be placed on your muscles, leading to a process called glycolysis - the breaking down of the fat stored in your muscles. This will provide the energy needed for your workout.
Aerobic for General Fitness
Slower-paced, low impact aerobic exercises can be the apt choice for anyone who is focused on improving their general fitness like reducing risk of heart diseases, improving stamina, incorporating a stretching and flexibility routine. It is recommended that some form of moderate intensity aerobic exercise is done daily for a minimum of 30 minutes at home, at the gym or anywhere you feel comfortable.
Aerobic Workout Benefits
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Best option for fitness beginners
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Great for stamina and heart health
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Boosts immune system
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Reduces risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and some forms of cancer
Anaerobic for Faster Fitness
Since Anaerobic exercises fall into the fast-paced, high intensity workout category, they are mostly fit for those who are looking to improve their existing fitness goals like building lean muscle mass, weight management, building endurance and overall fitness levels.
It's recommended to always develop an aerobic base before moving on to any anaerobic exercise and to only perform these workouts when you feel completely physically energized and mentally refreshed, preferably with the assistance of a trainer.
Anaerobic Workout Benefits
Now that you know the basic difference between these two workouts, you can go ahead and choose which of these will be the best choice for your fitness goals. An ideal workout regimen will have a healthy mix of aerobic and anaerobic workouts. Try to incorporate some form of aerobic workout everyday and have a session of anaerobic workout at least twice a week.