There are various exercises out there to help people achieve their fitness goals. Most workout exercises can be classified as either aerobic or anaerobic in nature.
Fitness enthusiasts tend to prioritize one exercise type over the other to attain their desired results. It is important to understand the benefits and limitations of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises before selecting the right workout regimen for you.
What are aerobic exercises?
Aerobic exercises are more commonly known by another term – cardio. Cardio exercises are known to elevate your breathing and heart rates for sustained periods of time. These exercises maximize the amount of oxygen in the blood, and are useful for building up stamina.
Some common aerobic exercises include running, swimming, and dancing.
What are aerobic exercises used for?
Aerobic exercises are used to help people lose weight, increase their stamina, and strengthen their hearts. Studies have also found aerobic exercises to be effective at boosting mood and reducing the risk of certain heart diseases.
Drawbacks of aerobic exercises
Aerobic exercises can lead to overuse injuries due to their high-impact and repetitive nature. They are also considered poor methods for building muscle mass.
These exercises also tend to be less effective for weight loss if they are not performed regularly.
What are anaerobic exercises?
Anaerobic exercises are intense activities that involve short bursts of energy. These exercises require an incredible amount of effort, which is why they are performed for only short durations.
Common anaerobic exercises include weight training and sprinting.
What are anaerobic exercises used for?
Anaerobic exercises are useful for building muscle or losing weight. The high intensity of these exercises forces the body to push its limits and achieve gains. These exercises can also build stamina and strengthen bones.
Drawbacks of anaerobic exercises
Anaerobic exercises deplete the body’s energy stores due to their high intensity. The anaerobic metabolism process also takes place in the absence of oxygen. This leads to the destruction of muscle cells.
Anaerobic exercises also result in the build-up of lactic acid in your blood, and hydrogen ions in your muscles. These hydrogen ions can irritate your muscle tissue and limit muscle contractions. Extreme hydrogen ion build-up can cause muscle fatigue, and eventually muscle failure.
Which is right for me?
You should prioritize aerobic exercises if you wish to lose weight and build up stamina. If your goal is to build muscle mass as quickly as possible, high intensity anaerobic exercises are your best bet.
However, most people usually perform a combination of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises as part of their workout routines.
Some fitness experts recommend that beginners start their long-term fitness plans with aerobic exercises until they have built up sufficient stamina. These people can then start incorporating intense muscle-building anaerobic exercises to their workout regiments gradually.