Many of us have similar reasons as to why we exercise. Of course, we want to maintain or enhance our physical fitness and general health! The question is how do we know which exercise will benefit us the most, aerobic or anaerobic. Most exercise routines are a combination of both and here’s why:
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic means with oxygen, so aerobic exercise help to improve the body’s oxygen level. It’s designed to strengthen muscles that are involved in respiration. Examples of aerobic exercise include swimming, running, cycling, and walking. These exercises are moderate and are performed over a longer period of time such as 20 minutes.
Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:
- Reduces blood pressure
- Improves circulation
- Reduces the risk of heart disease by strengthening the heart muscle.
- Stimulate bone growth
- Improve sleep quality and mental health
- Reduces frequency of migraines
Anaerobic Exercise
Anaerobic exercise are short quick burst of a highly intensive activity during which there is a shortage of oxygen. Your body produces lactic acid as a by product, but overtime your body will build up resistance to allow longer spurts of exercise. Anaerobic exercise uses up fewer calories, and it is better at building strength and muscle mass.
Benefits of Anaerobic Exercise:
- growth increase in muscle mass
- strengthens bones
- protects joints
- can withstand and eliminate a greater buildup of lactic acid
