Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Aerobic Vs Anaerobic Exercise: Which One Should You Go For?

Aerobic vs Anaerobic Exercise

When it comes to working out and shedding that extra load off your body, <span>aerobic</span> and anerobic <span>exercise</span> play an important role in maintaining overall health. However, they differ in the way they impact the body. There is a difference in its energy system that it uses and its benefits. 

<h4>What is <span rel="noindex">aerobic exercise</span>?</h4>

Aerobic exercises are endurance-based activities which require oxygen to generate energy. These exercises involve rhythmic and sustained movements that increase heart and breathing rates over an extended period. The instances of aerobic exercises are: brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, and dancing. Since aerobic exercises also rely on oxygen, it helps improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina and support weight management. 

Talking about the other side of workout, anerobic means short, intense bursts of activity that do not rely on oxygen for energy production. What it does is it breaks down body’s stored glucose and leads to the production of lactic acid. Some of the instances are sprinting, weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and pushups and pullups. Anerobic exercises are known for building muscle strength, increasing power, and enhancing athletic performance. 

What are the key differences between aerobic and <span>anaerobic exercise</span>?

<table class="redcator-table-advance"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Feature</strong></td><td><strong>Aerobic Exercise</strong></td><td><strong>Anaerobic Exercise</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Energy Source</td><td>Oxygen</td><td>Stored glucose</td></tr><tr><td>Intensity</td><td>Moderate</td><td>High</td></tr><tr><td>Duration</td><td>Longer period</td><td>Short bursts</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits</td><td>Improves Endurance</td><td>Increases muscle mass</td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table><h4>But, are there any similarities?</h4>

While the energy use and the way its benefits may differ, it does have similarities, which include:

<ul><li>Strengthening the heart</li><li>Improving blood circulation</li><li>Boosting metabolism</li><li>Aiding weight management</li><li>Reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia</li><li>Enhancing mental well-being</li></ul>

<h4>Benefits and Risks of Aerobic Exercise</h4>

<ul><li>Increases stamina and reduces fatigue</li><li>Lowers blood pressure</li><li>Improves cholesterol levels</li><li>Strengthens the immune system</li><li>Enhances mood and sleep</li><li>Helps in weight management</li></ul>

While generally safe, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a sedentary lifestyle should consult a doctor before engaging in aerobic exercises. Starting with moderate activity and gradually increasing intensity can help prevent injuries.

<h4>Benefits and Risks of <span rel="noindex">Anaerobic</span> Exercise</h4>

<ul><li>Helps in muscle gain and fat loss</li><li>Increases bone density</li><li>Boosts metabolism</li><li>Enhances athletic performance</li></ul>

Since anaerobic exercises require high exertion, they can lead to muscle strain or injuries if not performed correctly. People with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before starting intense workouts. Beginners should consider working with a trainer to ensure proper technique.

<h4>How Often Should You Exercise?</h4><ul><li>Aerobic Exercise Recommendations:</li><li>150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (e.g., brisk walking)</li><li>OR 75–150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (e.g., running, cycling)</li><li>Anaerobic Exercise Recommendations:</li><li>Strength training at least twice a week, targeting all major muscle groups</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

fitness

aerobic

anaerobic

exercise

aerobic exercise

anaerobic exercise

Can You Ever Become An Ethical Omnivore?

Obesity On The Inside: This Is What 250 lb vs. 125 lb Body Scan Reveals About Weight Loss And Health

Scientists Find How Do Neurons Die In Alzheimer's

Fitness

10 Health Benefits Of Star Anise

10 Ways To Recover Quickly After Working Out

10 Low-Sodium Healthy Heart Snack

10 Bedtime Habits To Help You Lose Weight

10 Low Carb Lunch Options You Must Try

10 Foods to Avoid Eating During Season

10 Strength Exercises To Help You Burn Belly Fat

10 Food Habits That Are Ruining Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do For Better Joint Health

10 Foods That Are High-Protein You May Not Know About

10 Fiber Rich Dinner Choices To Try

10 Ways To Curb Unhealthy Cravings

10 Healthy Egg Recipes You Can Try

​10 Morning Exercises You Should Do Everyday​

10 Protein Healthy Bread Recipes

10 Morning Habit You Should Teach Children

10 Nutty Recipes You Should Try For Your Health

10 Exercises You Should Do Before Sleeping

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

When it comes to working out and shedding that extra load off your body, aerobic and anerobic exercise play an important role in maintaining overall health. However, they differ in the way they impact the body. There is a difference in its energy system that it uses and its benefits. What is aerobic exercise?Aerobic exercises are endurance-based activities which require oxygen to generate energy. These exercises involve rhythmic and sustained movements that increase heart and breathing rates over an extended period. The instances of aerobic exercises are: brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, and dancing. Since aerobic exercises also rely on oxygen, it helps improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina and support weight management. What is anerobic exercise?Talking about the other side of workout, anerobic means short, intense bursts of activity that do not rely on oxygen for energy production. What it does is it breaks down body’s stored glucose and leads to the production of lactic acid. Some of the instances are sprinting, weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and pushups and pullups. Anerobic exercises are known for building muscle strength, increasing power, and enhancing athletic performance. What are the key differences between aerobic and anaerobic exercise?FeatureAerobic ExerciseAnaerobic ExerciseEnergy SourceOxygenStored glucoseIntensityModerateHighDurationLonger periodShort burstsBenefitsImproves EnduranceIncreases muscle massBut, are there any similarities?While the energy use and the way its benefits may differ, it does have similarities, which include:Strengthening the heartImproving blood circulationBoosting metabolismAiding weight managementReducing the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementiaEnhancing mental well-beingBenefits and Risks of Aerobic ExerciseBenefits:Increases stamina and reduces fatigueLowers blood pressureImproves cholesterol levelsStrengthens the immune systemEnhances mood and sleepHelps in weight managementRisks:While generally safe, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a sedentary lifestyle should consult a doctor before engaging in aerobic exercises. Starting with moderate activity and gradually increasing intensity can help prevent injuries.Benefits and Risks of Anaerobic ExerciseBenefits:Helps in muscle gain and fat lossIncreases bone densityBoosts metabolismEnhances athletic performanceRisks:Since anaerobic exercises require high exertion, they can lead to muscle strain or injuries if not performed correctly. People with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before starting intense workouts. Beginners should consider working with a trainer to ensure proper technique.How Often Should You Exercise?Aerobic Exercise Recommendations:150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (e.g., brisk walking)OR 75–150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (e.g., running, cycling)Anaerobic Exercise Recommendations:Strength training at least twice a week, targeting all major muscle groups