Aerobic and Anaerobic Comparison

There are countless forms of aerobic exercise. However, the most common format is when it is performed at a steady pace and over a relatively long period of time. To illustrate the point, consider the following examples:

Running a long distance at a moderate pace is classified as an aerobic exercise, whereas sprinting is not.

Playing singles tennis, which involves almost continuous activity, is typically regarded as an aerobic activity, whereas playing golf or doubles tennis, which involves brief bursts of high activity punctuated with more frequent breaks, is not regarded as predominantly aerobic.

Accordingly, some sports may be designated as inherently "aerobic." On the other hand, some aerobic exercises, such as fartlek training or aerobic dance classes, are designed specifically to improve aerobic capacity and fitness.

Fartlek means "speed play" in Swedish. Most Fartlek programmes last for at least 45 minutes. They can include anything from aerobic walking to anaerobic sprinting. Fartlek training is normally synonymous with running, but can include almost any kind of exercise.

Becoming involved in a regular programme of aerobic exercises can produce some very desirable benefits, such as:

Strengthening the respiratory muscles that will help to improve the flow of air in and out of the lungs.

Not only strengthening but also enlarging the heart muscles which will help to improve the efficiency of its pumping action and reduce the heart rate when at rest.

Toning up the muscles throughout the body.

Increasing the efficiency of the circulatory system and reducing blood pressure.

Substantially increasing the number of red blood cells in the body which in turn assists in transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Improving overall mental health. This may include reducing the level of stress and helping to lower the possibility of depression.

Endurance will be increased as a result of the storage of more energy molecules, such as fats and carbohydrates, within the muscles.

Neovascularization, which is the formation of functional microvascular networks with red blood cell perfusion, of the muscle sarcomeres, which give skeletal and cardiac muscles their striated appearance, to increase blood flow through the muscles.

If the rate of aerobic metabolism was increased within muscles, this would allow a greater proportion of energy for intense exercise to be generated aerobically.

If muscles are able to use fats during exercise more easily, this will help to preserve intramuscular glycogen, which is a form of glucose, and functions as the secondary short term energy storage.

Muscles recovering from high intensity exercise being made much easier.

Aerobics - How To Succeed

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