Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Exercise

Your body needs oxygen in order to burn fat for energy. The term aerobic simply means that during a given activity, your body is keeping up with the increased demands for oxygen and is using fat for energy. Sustained activities that use the larger muscle groups and involve your whole body, like swimming, stair-stepping, fast walking, running or bicycling, are aerobic exercises. You know you’re exercising aerobically when you are unable to sing but can talk in short sentences. Keeping your heart rate between 65 and 80% of your maximum heart rate will ensure that you are getting the most fat-burning benefit from your workout time.

During anaerobic exercise your body cannot keep up with the demands for oxygen. You know you’re exercising anaerobically when you’re unable to talk or carry on a conversation comfortably. Though it may or may not cause you to breathe heavily, strength training is a form of anaerobic exercise because your muscles perform the work without oxygen. Strength training is not aerobic exercise!

Your body rests when your heart is beating at less than 50% of your maximum heart rate. It repairs itself, replenishes its energy stores and rebuilds itself stronger. If you neglect rest, your fitness won’t improve. Sub-aerobic activity includes slow walking, golf or light housework. You must perform a lot of these activities for your body to reap aerobic benefits.

 
Each type of activity has its benefits, so a comprehensive exercise program incorporates all four types of activities. However, aerobic exercise is the most efficient way to burn fat and improve fitness, so that’s where you want to spend the majority of your workout time.

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